Living on Sumba
Police step up checks on ferry passengers at Waingapu port
Officers watched hundreds of arriving passengers, searched bags and gave selective urine tests.
East Sumba police's narcotics unit monitored hundreds of passengers arriving at Waingapu port on the evening of Monday, 2 November 2026, as they left the ferry KMP Dharma Kartika V, as part of the nationwide Operasi Sarang Narkoba, Waingapu.Com reported. Officers used behavioural profiling, searched bags that looked suspicious and asked some passengers to take urine tests. The report mentioned no arrests or seizures.
- Date and place: evening of Monday, 2 November 2026, Waingapu port, East Sumba.
- Hundreds of passengers from KMP Dharma Kartika V (PT Dharma Lautan Utama) were monitored.
- Checks used behavioural profiling, bag searches and selective urine tests.
- Part of the nationwide anti-drug operation Operasi Sarang Narkoba.
- No arrests or seizures were reported.
WAINGAPU — The East Sumba police narcotics unit monitored hundreds of passengers arriving at Waingapu port on the evening of Monday, 2 November, as they left the ferry KMP Dharma Kartika V, operated by PT Dharma Lautan Utama. The checks were part of a nationwide anti-drug operation (Operasi Sarang Narkoba).
How police profile ferry passengers at Waingapu port
Officers used behavioural profiling, looking for signs such as restlessness, attempts to avoid inspection or unusually large luggage.
Bag searches and urine tests for ferry passengers
Suitcases, backpacks and boxes were searched when something looked suspicious, and passengers showing signs such as red eyes were asked to take a urine test. "We carry out selective monitoring," said Iptu I Gede Putu Parwata, head of the unit. The report did not mention arrests or seizures.
What it means
If you arrive in Sumba by sea, expect possible bag checks at Waingapu and keep your ID at hand. Indonesia has some of the strictest drug laws in the world, and this applies equally to foreigners.
If you are travelling to Sumba by sea, expect possible bag checks when you arrive at Waingapu port and keep your ID at hand. Indonesia's drug laws are among the strictest in the world and apply equally to foreigners.
Frequently asked questions
Will my bags be checked when I arrive by ferry at Waingapu?
Possibly. On 2 November 2026, police searched suitcases, backpacks and boxes when something looked suspicious, as part of a nationwide anti-drug operation.
Can tourists be asked for a urine test in Sumba?
During the 2 November checks, passengers showing signs such as red eyes were asked to take a urine test. The police called it selective monitoring.
Do Indonesia's drug laws apply to foreigners?
Yes. Indonesia has some of the strictest drug laws in the world, and they apply equally to foreign visitors.
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