KKP Saves IDR 1.8 Billion From Illegal Transipulation In Arafuru Sea

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) saved state losses of around Rp. 1.8 billion from taking action against 10 ships suspected of violating the transfer of charged fish (transhipment) in the Arafura Sea.

"KKP has secured 10 fishing vessels at the Nusantara Fisheries Port (PPN) Tual. The ships are suspected of having violated the transfer of load or transipulation worth Rp. 1.8 billion in a transport ship with the initials KM MS 7A in the Arafura Sea," said the Director General of Marine and Fishery Resources Supervision (PSDKP) KKP Pung Nugroho Saksono (Ipunk) confirmed in Jakarta, Saturday.

Ipunk said that the 10 ships did not have partnership documents with KM MS 7A which were suspected of being the carriers caught by the 10 fishing vessels.

"When the inspection was carried out by the Fisheries Supervisory Team of the Tual PSDKP Base, not a single fish was found on the 10 ships, it is suspected that they had been transferred to the transport ship which is currently traveling to Jakarta," said Ipunk.

Ipunk said that the ships included KM MJ 98 (GT 98), KM MAS (GT 82), KM HP 3 (GT 153), KM U II (GT 97), KM FN (GT 150), KM SM 8 (GT 96), KM LB (GT 58), KM SM IX (GT 97), KM MJ 8 (GT 59), KM BSR (GT 124).

The ships are suspected of violating Article 27 point 7 (Article 27A paragraph (1)) of Law Number 6 of 2023 concerning Stipulation of Perppu Number 2 of 2022 concerning Job Creation into Law Jo Article 317 paragraph (1) letter g Jo Article 320 paragraph (3) letter g PP Number 5 of 2021 concerning Implementation of Risk-Based Business Licensing.

"We have summoned the captain and the owner of the 10 ships for inspection," said Ipunk.

Furthermore, Ipunk admitted that this could be done thanks to teamwork, both at the central and regional levels.

"Currently, the Pusdal team of the Directorate General of PSDKP is tracking the whereabouts of KM. MS 7A through tracking VMS to ascertain the current position of the carrier," said Ipunk.

Previously, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) Sakti Wahyu Trenggono revealed that in the context of implementing Measurable Fish Fishing in Zone III, surveillance activities will be strengthened through integrated and coordinated supervision both at sea (wile fishing), as well as at Ports (Before fishing, after fishing, and post landing).