April 19, 2026 | 08:01 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) is investigating the discovery of a missile-like object in the waters off the Tanakeke Islands, Mappasunggu District, Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi. Found by local fishermen, the object has been transported to the Navy Regional Command Headquarters VI in Makassar for further examination.
First Lieutenant Hamzah, Commander of the Takalar Navy Post, stated that authorities have yet to reach a conclusion regarding the find. "The object does resemble a missile in shape, but we are still unsure of its exact nature," Hamzah said, as quoted by Antara on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
The Indonesian Navy intends to delve deeper into the identity of the object. It was moved to the Navy Regional Command Headquarters VI in Makassar via a Navy truck for detailed analysis. "The results of the research into this object will be conveyed by our superiors," Hamzah added.
Hamzah also could not confirm whether the missile-like object poses an immediate threat. "Regarding the potential for an explosion, we cannot provide any information yet; such details will only be available after the examination," he noted.
In response to the discovery, the Indonesian Navy has urged the public to promptly report any suspicious finds to the Navy or the police. Hamzah particularly emphasized the importance of reporting foreign objects that could be dangerous or have a fatal impact on the local community.
The Chief of the Mappakasunggu Police, Second Police Inspector Sumarwan, stated that the object was recovered after his office received information from the fishermen. Sumarwan mentioned that the police are following up on the report by coordinating closely with the Takalar Navy Post.
The suspected missile is oblong, over one meter long, and blue in color. However, the police have not been able to confirm its classification, as they are awaiting the final analysis from the Indonesian Navy.
The foreign object was discovered by fishermen from Tanakeke Island while they were out at sea. The fishermen subsequently reported the incident to the local police station. The object was evacuated by boat and held at the Mappasuggu Police Station for temporary storage before being transported to Makassar.
The police have urged the public not to tamper with any foreign objects they may find. "Immediately report it to the authorities so that it can be handled quickly and safely," Sumarwan said.
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