ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has deepened its cooperation with Malaysian authorities to strengthen the monitoring and protection of protected and endangered fish species, while combating transnational smuggling and illegal trade across borders.
The collaboration involves multiple stakeholders, including Malaysian enforcement agencies, Indonesian government ministries and institutions, and non-governmental organizations from both countries.
“Illegal hunting and smuggling of protected marine species — including sea turtle eggs — from Indonesia to Malaysia has become a pressing concern that requires stronger bilateral coordination,” said Pung Nugroho Saksono (Ipunk), Director General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance (PSDKP), in Jakarta on Saturday, October 4, 2025.
A bilateral meeting held in Jakarta on September 29–30 brought together representatives from the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD), the Royal Malaysia Police, the Yayasan Inisiatif Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI), and several other institutions to develop joint strategies for tackling illegal wildlife trade between Indonesia and Malaysia.
The meeting produced a joint recommendation to establish a cooperation framework that ensures coordinated, measurable, and sustainable actions. This includes information and intelligence sharing, joint patrols and enforcement operations, capacity-building and training programs for law enforcement officers, and public awareness campaigns.
Participants also agreed to form a Joint Working Group (JWG) and hold regular meetings between competent authorities from both countries to ensure the continuity and effectiveness of this partnership.
“Both Indonesia and Malaysia reaffirmed their commitment to protect biodiversity and curb transnational wildlife crime,” Ipunk stated.
This joint initiative aligns with the celebration of the 26th Anniversary of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, under the theme “Move, Impact, Sustain for a Golden Indonesia.”
Ipunk emphasized that through stronger synergy and collaboration, supported by civil society and NGOs, both nations can ensure more effective protection of marine biodiversity and promote sustainable marine resource management.
Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono has also underscored the importance of maintaining the sustainability of Indonesia’s marine and fishery resources, ensuring that every form of utilization adheres to regulations and maintains a balance between economic progress and ecological responsibility. (AT Network)
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