KKP Captures Two Foreign Fishing Vessels With Vietnal Flags In North Natuna Waters, Riau Islands

The Ministry of Marine Affairs of Fisheries (KKP) has arrested two foreign fishing vessels (KIA) with Vietnamese flags caught fishing activities in the waters of North Natuna, Riau Islands.

The Director General of Marine and Fishery Resources Supervision (PSDKP) of the KKP Pung Nugroho Saksono (Ipunk) in Batam, Saturday, May 24, said that this arrest began with information from local fishermen about the number of foreign fishing vessels operating in Natuna waters.

"This law enforcement is a tangible manifestation of the presence of the state to protect our waters from illegal fishing, and the quick response to public reports," said Ipunk, quoted by Antara.

Of the two ships, he said, 19 crew members (ABK) were secured, including the captain of the ship.

The arrests of the two Vietnamese fishing vessels were led directly by Ipunk using the KP Supervisory Vessel. ORCA 03 which was headed by Muhammad Ma'ruf and KP. Orca 02 with the captain, Ilman Rustam on Friday, May 23.

He ensured that the two Vietnamese fishing vessels stole fish in the waters north of Natuna, so that they were dealt with firmly.

In this action, he said, PSDKP officers carried out decisive and measured, by giving warnings to the air, then going to the sea. One ship had fled, but was chased by Orca 3 until it was finally secured and taken to the Batam PSDKP Base.

"We intervened with KP Orca 03 and KP Orca 02, so that two ships with hull numbers KG 6219TS measuring 120 GT and KG 6277TS measuring 97 GT were successfully secured," said Ipunk.

In addition to stealing fish, said Ipunk, the Vietnamese ship uses a type of trawl pair fishing gear, which is prohibited in Indonesian waters. The fishing gear is active, its attractive strength is very large and the impact can destroy coral reefs and the water ecosystem.

Ipunk said that this ship had transferred the contents of its catch to a larger ship in the border area. From the ship, 70 kg of fish were still stored in Natuna waters. The value of the stolen fish is estimated at IDR 61.4 billion.

Furthermore, the ship and crew were secured at the Batam PSDKP Base for legal processing. Until waiting for the court's decision.

Finally, April 18, 2025, the KKP also arrested two foreign fishing vessels with Vietnamese flags that stole fish in Natuna waters, Riau Islands.

As many as 30 crew members (ABK) were also arrested during the arrest. Currently in the process of being tried for the captain of the ship. Meanwhile, 30 of its crew members are in the process of deportation to their country of origin.