In a recent ruling by the Batam District Court, Indonesia, on July 10, 2024, the captain of the tanker MT Arman 114 was sentenced to seven years in prison and fined Rp 5 billion for environmental offenses under Indonesian law.
The MT Arman 114 was carrying 272,569 metric tons of light crude oil, valued at 4.6 trillion rupiah ($304 million), when it was seized in 2023. The Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) was suspected of transferring oil to another vessel without a permit. The court found the defendant guilty in absentia as they had disappeared shortly before the verdict was due.
The defendant, suspected to have fled the country via maritime routes, was not present during the sentencing session. The prosecution argued for the maximum penalty, seeking seven years’ imprisonment, a Rp 5 billion fine, and the confiscation of the ship and its cargo.
The court ultimately upheld these demands, ordering the confiscation of the vessel and its contents for the state.
During the trial, diplomatic presence included a representative from the Iranian Embassy and legal representation from Ocean Mark Shipping, purportedly the ship’s owner. The defendant’s lawyer expressed uncertainty about appealing the decision, stating a need to review the judgment within the given timeframe of seven days.
The case highlights the seriousness with which Indonesia addresses environmental violations and underscores the legal consequences faced by individuals and entities involved in such offenses.
