ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has once again taken firm action against illegal fishing in its territorial waters. On Friday, April 11, a foreign fishing vessel from the Philippines was intercepted while illegally operating in the Sulawesi Sea, near the Talaud Islands, North Sulawesi.
The boat, identified as M/BCA CHRISTIAN JAME, was a pump boat manned by three Philippine nationals. It was seized by the Napoleon 17 patrol boat, under the control of the PSDKP Station in Tahuna, during a routine maritime surveillance operation.
“This foreign vessel was using hand lines and targeting tuna, one of Indonesia’s high-value export commodities,” said Pung Nugroho Saksono (Ipunk), Director General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance, quotes on Monday, April 14.
The interception followed a tip-off from local fishermen, who reported suspicious activity by a foreign vessel in the Indonesian Fisheries Management Area 716 (WPPNRI 716), which shares a maritime border with the Philippines.
“Public reports are crucial. We responded swiftly with a field operation and successfully secured the vessel,” explained Martin Yermias Luhulima, Head of PSDKP Station Tahuna, who led the mission.
Sulawesi Sea: A Hotspot for Cross-Border Illegal Fishing
According to KKP, North Sulawesi’s coastal waters, especially around Talaud, are highly vulnerable to illegal fishing incursions by foreign vessels—primarily from the Philippines. In 2024 alone, 17 illegal foreign fishing boats have been captured in the region.
“The Sulawesi Sea is a strategic zone, rich in high-value species like tuna. We are fully committed to protecting its marine resources,” Ipunk emphasized.
To reinforce maritime security, KKP has established two key technical implementation units (UPT): the PSDKP Base in Bitung and the PSDKP Station in Tahuna, alongside an expanded patrol fleet.
Tuna Conservation Saves the Sea and Economy
Most illegal fishing vessels in this region use hand lines to catch tuna, a vital species for Indonesia’s export economy. Stopping these illegal operations not only prevents economic losses but also helps preserve marine ecosystems.
“Every illegal boat we seize is a step toward safeguarding our marine economy and protecting the livelihoods of Indonesian fishermen,” said Ipunk.
Indonesia’s Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, reiterated that illegal fishing will not be tolerated under the nation’s Blue Economy policy, which prioritizes sustainable ocean management for long-term prosperity and maritime sovereignty.
“Illegal fishing is not just theft—it’s a direct threat to our sovereignty and the future of Indonesia’s marine wealth,” Minister Trenggono stated. (AT Network)
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