2 Fishermen in Sikka NTT Caught Fish Using Explosives Threatened with 6 Years in Prison

JAKARTA - The NTT Regional Police's Water and Air Police stated that two fishermen in Sikka Regency, with initials AB (48), and I (27), were threatened with a maximum six-year prison sentence after being arrested for fishing using explosives.

Director of Polairud Polda NTT Kombes Pol Irwan Deffi Nasution in Kupang, Wednesday, said the two perpetrators were charged with Article 84 in conjunction with Article 8 paragraph (1) of Law Number 31 of 2004 concerning Fisheries as amended by Law Number 45 of 2009.

"The threat of punishment is imprisonment for a maximum of six years and a fine of up to Rp. 1.2 billion," he said.

He emphasized that the practice of fishing bombs was a serious violation because it not only violated the law, but also damaged the marine ecosystem and threatened the sustainability of fishery resources in coastal areas.

The disclosure of the case began when the KP.P Sukur XXII-3007 personnel carried out a routine patrol from Wuring Port to the coastal waters of Maumere on Tuesday, April 7.

During the patrol, officers found a blue, white, and yellow motor boat being manned by two people in the waters of Haewuli Village, West Alok District.

When questioned, the two admitted that they were repairing the boat engine. However, officers suspected that no fishing gear was found on the boat.

On the other hand, officers found equipment that was allegedly used for bombing fish, including compressors, diving equipment, and other supporting equipment.

After further examination, the two fishermen admitted that they had caught fish using improvised bombs.

The officers then dived to the location and found 333 dead fish due to the explosion, which was then secured as evidence.

The police also seized one unnamed motor boat, a 5.5 PK engine, an engine and compressor tube, a 50-meter hose, and other diving equipment.

Irwan added that the use of explosives in fishing can destroy coral reefs in a short time and have a long-term impact on water productivity.

Currently, the two perpetrators have been secured at the headquarters of the Sikka Unit of the NTT Police Ditpolairud to undergo further legal proceedings.

Ditpolairud Polda NTT appealed to coastal communities not to use illegal methods to catch fish and to actively report similar practices.