<![CDATA[The geopolitical position of the Riau Islands Province along major international shipping routes makes its territorial waters vulnerable to being exploited as a major corridor for Maritime Transnational Organized Crime (MTOC) involving illicit narcotics trafficking. This study aims to analyze the legal qualifications and formulation of the criminalization of MTOC-based cross-border narcotics trafficking under Indonesian criminal law, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness and obstacles of criminal law enforcement and maritime interdiction in the waters of the Riau Islands. This research employs a combined normative-empirical legal research method (doctrinal-empirical legal research) using statutory, conceptual, and case approaches. Secondary data, consisting of legislation and court decisions, are complemented by primary data obtained through in-depth interviews with the National Narcotics Agency of the Riau Islands Province (BNNP Riau Islands), the Water and Air Police Directorate (Polairud), the Indonesian Navy, the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, and legal academics. The findings indicate that, substantively, Law Number 35 of 2009 on Narcotics and the New Criminal Code under Law Number 1 of 2023 have accommodated the extension of extraterritorial jurisdiction and corporate criminal liability. However, law enforcement at sea remains constrained by criminal procedural law that is predominantly land-centric. Operational obstacles include the lack of clarity in maritime criminal procedures, particularly concerning the chain of custody and digital evidence; inter-agency jurisdictional friction and overlapping authorities; limited maritime surveillance and radar technology; and the socio-economic vulnerability of local fishermen who may be exploited as coastal couriers. This study recommends the formulation of a specific maritime criminal procedural framework (lex specialis), the establishment of a single agency command mechanism, modernization of maritime surveillance technology, and the strengthening of economic empowerment programs for coastal communities.]]>
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