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Indonesia Investigates Suspected Chinese Underwater Drone Found Near Lombok Strait

The find on a key submarine route raises sovereignty questions over possible military surveillance.

Overview

  • The torpedo-shaped device, discovered by a fisherman on Monday north of Gili Trawangan, is now in navy custody for technical analysis.
  • Initial police and bomb-squad checks reported no explosives or radioactivity, and officers described features typical of survey or observation gear.
  • Photos show Chinese characters and a logo linked to China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, and naval officials plan deeper examination at Mataram with possible transfer to Jakarta.
  • The Lombok Strait is one of the few deep channels that let submarines travel at depth between the Pacific and Indian Oceans, so data gathered there can aid covert transits.
  • Indonesia and nearby states have retrieved similar Chinese devices since 2019, and reporters said the Chinese Embassy and CSIC have not publicly responded to requests for comment.