Aceh – Indonesia, An object suspected to be an unexploded mortar was discovered on the banks of the Krueng Aceh River in Gampong Kampung Baru, Baiturrahman District, Banda Aceh. Police immediately secured the area as they have not yet confirmed whether the device is still active.
The rusted object was found by Muhammad Saini (40) while he was searching for oysters or river clams near the front of Warkop Chek Yukee on Wednesday (30/9/2026) at around 5:00 PM WIB.
Initially, Saini assumed the item was merely a piece of rusted scrap metal. However, after lifting and cleaning it, he noticed that its shape resembled a mortar round.
Saini decided to report his findings to the authorities. He went to the Banda Aceh Police Headquarters and lodged a report with the Integrated Police Service Center (SPKT) at around 6:40 PM WIB.
Banda Aceh Police Chief Senior Commander Teguh Priyambodo Nugroho, speaking through Baiturrahman Sector Police Chief Police Commissioner Attendant Samandari, stated that the report was immediately forwarded to the Inafis Unit of the Banda Aceh Police Criminal Investigation Unit and local police personnel.
“Upon realizing its shape resembled a mortar, the individual promptly reported the discovery to the police,” Samandari stated in a written release received by Nukilan.
Officers arrived at the scene at approximately 6:48 PM WIB. Police conducted an initial inspection and established a police line to restrict access to the surrounding area.
According to Samandari, the object is suspected to be a remnant from the conflict era in Aceh. However, authorities have yet to verify its current condition, including whether it retains explosive capacity.
Given these safety considerations, the police are treating it as a hazardous material and refraining from moving it until an inspection can be carried out by specialized bomb disposal personnel.
“Baiturrahman Sector Police personnel remain on standby at the location to secure the scene,” he added.
Police have also coordinated with the Bomb Disposal Unit (Jibom) of the Aceh Regional Police Mobile Brigade (Satbrimob) to examine and evacuate the object.
As of Wednesday night, the suspected mortar remained at the site under tight police security.
The police have advised the public never to touch or relocate suspicious items suspected of being remnant weaponry or explosive materials.
Should residents encounter similar objects, they are urged to keep their distance and immediately alert authorities so the situation can be handled by trained personnel using specialized equipment.
Reporter: Rezi