Reflecting On Natuna, The Government Is Committed To Accelerate Licensing For Fishermen

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has accelerated the licensing process to encourage more and more fishermen to go to sea, including to national waters, such as the Natuna Sea, to protect the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia.

"Now the capture fisheries licensing flow mechanism is simpler," said KKP Director General of Capture Fisheries M. Zulficar Mochtar in Jakarta, Tuesday, January 7.

According to Zulficar, the process has become more effective and efficient for the government and business actors, in line with President Jokowi's vision and mission in accelerating electronic-based government systems and reforming public services.

He is of the opinion that the Fast Service Permit Information System (SILAT) licensing service launched by the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Edhy Prabowo, received a positive response from the public.

After being launched on December 30, 2019, as many as 105 permit documents have been issued, consisting of 21 fishery business permits (SIUP) and 84 fishing licenses (SIPI) / fish transportation permits (SIKPI).

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Center for Maritime Studies for Humanity, Abdul Halim. The government, including the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), is expected to continue to encourage more vibrant fishing activities by Indonesian fishermen in the Natuna Sea, which is part of national waters, he said.

"In international diplomacy, presence is the key word that must be won," said Abdul Halim.

For this reason, Abdul Halim also agreed that the KKP must really build the national marine and fisheries sector continuously so that the existence of the Republic of Indonesia can really feel real in Natuna.

The former Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Susi Pudjiastuti, expressed her hope that the government can continue to enforce the law against anyone who carries out illegal fishing activities in national waters.

"Treat fish thieves by enforcing the law for what they do," said Susi on her social media account.

Susi Pudjiastuti emphasized that law enforcement against fish thieves is different from maintaining friendship or an investment climate.