Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), in collaboration with the Australia Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), is making efforts to prevent Indonesian fishermen from fishing illegally outside the nation’s maritime borders.
The ministry’s director general of marine resources and fisheries supervision, Pung Nugroho Saksono, is educating Indonesian fishermen on the matter as some local vessels are still carrying out illegal fishing in bordering waters.
“It is very unfortunate that in the midst of the government’s aggressive fight against illegal fishing practices carried out by foreign fishing vessels, it turns out that many Indonesian fishing vessels are fishing in other countries without permission,” Saksono said in a statement released on Monday.
Therefore, the ministry is providing information regarding the practice to fishermen in Baubau city, West Muna Regency, and South Konawe Regency in Southeast Sulawesi province.
A public campaign was also carried out in Kupang city and Rote Ndao Regency in East Nusa Tenggara province in July and August 2024.
Based on the ministry and AFMA data, out of the 216 Indonesian fishermen arrested by the Australian government in 2024, 48 percent or 103 fishermen were from Southeast Sulawesi province, especially Baubau city, West Muna Regency, and South Konawe.
“That is why these three regions are being targeted for public campaign activities,” Saksono explained.
Since 2019, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has been carrying out preventive measures by building understanding and awareness among fishermen to comply with the applicable regulations.
In addition, the ministry and the Australian government have agreed on three cooperation programs: conducting coordinated patrols, carrying out public information campaigns, as well as providing alternative livelihoods for cross-border fishermen.
The alternative livelihood program, which will be adjusted to the needs and geographical conditions of each region, is currently being prepared for Indonesian fishermen in areas bordering Australia.
The Australian government is also considering the possibility of providing work visas on Australian fishing vessels to Indonesian fishermen on the condition that they are not involved in criminal acts, have a criminal record, or have a prior history of being arrested by Australian authorities, Saksono added.