Unlicensed, KKP Destroys 796 Kg of Shark and Stingray Skin in Banyuwangi

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has destroyed 796.08 kilograms (kg) of dried shark and stingray skin at the yard of the SDKP Banyuwangi Satwas office, East Java, recently.

Director General of Marine Resources and Fisheries Supervision (PSDKP) of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Pung Nugroho Saksono or Ipunk, said that the action was a follow-up to the findings of violations of the use of protected fish species by an Foreign Investment Company (PMA) in Banyuwangi.

"Based on the results of the fisheries inspector's inspection in the field, the company was proven to not have a Type of Fish Utilization Permit (SIPJI) which must be owned to be able to utilize protected shark and stingray fish types," said Ipunk quoted from an official statement, Monday, February 2.

Ipunk emphasized that the surveillance efforts were carried out to ensure justice for business actors in the marine and fisheries sector.

"By prosecuting violators, the KKP protects the rights of legal business actors and has complied with the rules of the game," he said.

The disclosure of the case began with a report from the community which was followed up by the Fish Inspector of the SDKP Banyuwangi Satwas.

During the inspection, officers found the practice of using dried shark and stingray skin without valid licensing documents.

Apart from the absence of SIPJI, the Indonesian Business Field Crude Classification (KBLI) owned by the company is also known to not include the fisheries sector, but only the large trade of fruits and vegetables.

"The destruction action was carried out by burying the method to prevent the re-use of the illegal evidence," he said.

As a result of the violation, PT RIE was ordered to stop all of its fishing business activities until it had a permit in accordance with the laws and regulations.

This firm step is in accordance with the direction of the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KP) Sakti Wahyu Trenggono who is committed to maintaining the sustainability of marine resources and protecting rare species from illegal use.