inp.polri.go.id - Batam. The Riau Islands Regional Police held a Counter-Proliferation Investigation (CPI) Workshop on the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in interdiction technology.
The event was attended by the Vice Chief of the Riau Islands Regional Police, Brigadier General Anom Wibowo, the Chief Officer of the Riau Islands Regional Police, and Jose Calderon, HSI Jakarta Country Attaché of the U.S. Embassy Jakarta.
Calderon expressed his appreciation for this event, which demonstrates strategic collaboration between Indonesia and the United States in addressing the challenges of modern crime.
He emphasized that while the development of drone technology offers significant benefits, it also has the potential to be misused for illegal activities such as surveillance, smuggling, and even acts of terrorism.
He stated that improving the ability to detect and investigate misuse of this technology is crucial.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chief of the Riau Islands Regional Police stated that Batam, as a strategic region along the Malacca Strait, is vulnerable to various transnational crimes, such as narcotics, human trafficking, and smuggling. Therefore, the use of UAV technology is a crucial step in supporting police duties, particularly in surveillance and investigations.
"Furthermore, based on Law Number 21 of 2025 concerning Airspace Management, the Indonesian National Police (INP) has primary authority in the investigative process, supported by Civil Servant Officers (PPNS) and the Indonesian Air Force," he said on Monday (4/27/2026).
The workshop will last four days, from April 27 to 30, 2026, with the aim of enhancing the capacity and professionalism of law enforcement officers in dealing with technology-based crimes, while strengthening synergies with international partners.
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