Border Patrol Discovers Hundreds of Kilograms of Rice and Cooking Oil

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Joint teams for Quarantine function patrolling the Entikong Border Crossing Point (PLBN) discovered hundreds of kilograms of rice and cooking oil at an unofficial crossing point – also known as the ‘rat trail’ –  along the Indonesia-Malaysia border on April 3, 2024. The commodities were found at two different locations on the right side of PLBN Entikong.

The discovery was announced by the Head of the Indonesian Quarantine Agency Sahat M Panggabean. He stated that initially, the joint team conducted searches along the rat trails on the right side of PLBN Entikong. Upon crossing a road junction, several stacks of plastics, bags, and new footwear were found abandoned.

Upon inspection, the contents of the bags and plastic pouches were rice from Malaysia. "While passing through the returning route, the team again found two cardboard boxes wrapped in black plastic in the bushes," Sahat said in his written statement quoted on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

Sahat stated that upon opening, the boxes contained cooking oil labeled "Cooking Oil" (Minyak Masak), and it was identified to be originated from Malaysia. From these two findings, it is suspected that the commodities were intentionally left behind before the joint patrol team passed by.

"These activities are what we aim to prevent; they could potentially be a gateway for bioterrorism, which is why our synergy is crucial," Sahat remarked.

Sahat mentioned information from the Deputy of Border Area Management BNPP RI, stating that in West Kalimantan, there are 54 rat trails or unofficial crossings distributed across Sambas, Bengkayang, and Sanggau districts.

To optimize performance at the border, especially regarding quarantine surveillance, he emphasized the need for synergy between agencies. According to Sahat, the objective of these joint patrol activities is to strengthen relationships and communication.

"Quarantine is not about value; whether it's a small or large amount of goods, they pose the same risk, so we must all be aware of that," he added.

The Head of the West Kalimantan Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Office, Amdali Adhitama, confirmed that rat trails along the Indonesia-Malaysia land border has its own separate problems. Amdali stated that the potential entry and spread of pests and diseases through smuggled commodities are highly plausible.

DESTY LUTHFIANI

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