Panamanian-Flagged Tanker Seized in Indonesian Waters

Indonesian Navy personnel inspect a tank of the Panamanian-flagged tanker, the MT. Zodiac Star, that was seized on suspicion of conducting illegal activities in the country's waters and carrying more than 4,000 tons of oil without valid permits, in the waters off Batam, Riau islands, Indonesia, on Sept. 1, 2021. Courtesy Indonesian Navy/Handout via Reuters

JAKARTA—The Indonesian Navy says it has seized a Panamanian-flagged tanker in the waters off Riau islands after the foreign vessel was found to be carrying more than 4,000 tons of oil without valid permits.

Indonesian Navy commander admiral Arsyad Abdullah said in a statement late Wednesday that the Panamanian-flagged tanker, the MT. Zodiac Star, was seized on suspicion of conducting illegal activities in the country’s waters.