When questioned by fishermen, KKP said the fishing gear in Merauke was not a trawl but a JHUB.

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has confirmed that the fishing vessel in question by fishermen in Merauke Regency does not use trawl or tiger fishing gear, but rather a Pocket Shrimp Net (JHUB) which is allowed with strict arrangements.

Director General of Fisheries Capture KKP, Lotharia Latif said that the operation of JHUB was not carried out freely, but through selection and restriction of the specified areas.

"Operation of vessels with JHUB fishing gear is only allowed in certain areas that have been clearly designated on maps and coordinates. This is to ensure that there is no overlap with the fishing area of small fishermen," said Latif in a press release in Jakarta, Antara, Sunday, April 26.

He emphasized that the strengthening of the management of capture fisheries continues to be carried out to maintain the sustainability of fish resources while encouraging economic growth and community welfare.

The regulation refers to the Regulation of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Number 36 of 2023 which regulates the placement of fishing gear in the measured fishing catch zone and fisheries management area.

In the regulation, tiger nets or trawls are prohibited fishing tools because they have the potential to damage fish resources. Meanwhile, JHUB is allowed with certain technical specifications so as not to damage the environment and not interfere with other fishing tools.

To ensure implementation in the field, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries also issued a Circular from the Director General of Capture Fisheries Number B.315/MEN-DJPT/PI.220/IV/2026 which regulates the operation of JHUB in Zone 03 WPPNRI 718.

In the rules, the use of JHUB is only allowed in specific areas based on coordinate points, using tools in accordance with the provisions, and must pay attention to the presence of other fishermen to prevent conflicts in the field.

The KKP also requires business actors to maintain the safety and security of operations and comply with all specifications of the fishing gear that have been established. Violations will be subject to sanctions in accordance with laws and regulations.

Supervision will be strengthened through synergy with fishery supervisory officers, the Indonesian Navy, and other law enforcement agencies.

Previously, a number of fishermen who were members of the All Indonesia Fishermen Association (HNSI) Merauke held an action on April 20, 2026. They rejected the operation of the ship which was suspected of using trawls because they feared it would interfere with the catch of local fishermen.

In response to this, the Ministry of Forestry appealed to the public not to be provoked by incorrect information.

KKP also emphasized that the ship belonging to PT Tri Kusuma Graha which is based in Merauke PPN has not been able to operate until now because it has not met all licensing requirements, including the Fishing Permit (SIPI).

"If there are provisions in the licensing process that cannot be met, the permit will not be issued," said Latif.

KKP through the local port authorities and fisheries services also opened a dialogue room with fishermen to avoid misunderstandings in the field.