Malaysian Fishing Boats Thief Fish In The Malacca Strait Arrested By The Indonesian Navy, 5 Crew Members Arrested

The Malaysian-flagged Foreign Fishing Vessel 'illegal fishing' in the waters of the Indonesian Malacca Strait, which was arrested by the Tanjung Balai Asahan Navy. (ANTARA/HO-Document Lanal TBA)

The authorities arrested a foreign fishing boat with the Malaysian flag that carried out illegal fishing activities using a tiger trawler in the waters of the Indonesian Malacca Strait.

The Commander of Lanal TBA, Marine Lt. Col. (F) Wido Dwi Nugraha said the arrests were carried out in a quick response to fishermen's reports regarding the existence of foreign fishing vessels that thieves fish in national waters.

"The success of patrols in catching foreign fishing vessels shows the commitment of the Indonesian Navy in maintaining Indonesia's territorial sovereignty from various illegal activities, including regional violations (in this case) fishing areas carried out illegally by foreign fishing vessels," said Commander of Lanal Pangkalan Tanjung Balai Asahan North Sumatra, Marine Lt. Col. (P) Wido Dwi Nugraha in an official statement Thursday, February 27, which was confiscated by Antara.

Before being arrested on Wednesday, February 26, Dwi Nugraha explained that the foreign ship had tried to escape towards Malaysia after knowing the presence of the Indonesian Navy patrol boat.

The pursuit effort was carried out by KAL Pandang I-1-72, even patrol officers were forced to fire warning shots so that the ship stopped immediately.

After intense pursuit efforts, the Malaysian-flagged foreign fishing boat was finally successfully stopped and secured along with five crew members (ABK) inside.

Then the ship and its crew were escorted to the Bagan Asahan Posal for initial inspection with an escort from the Patkamla Combat Boat Catamaran. They were then taken to the Tanjung Balai Asahan Mako Lanal to undergo further investigation.

"This action is a manifestation of the Indonesian Navy's firmness in taking action against all forms of violations of sovereignty at sea, especially in fighting illegal fishing practices that harm Indonesia's marine resources," he said.

Dwi Nugraha added that the foreign fishing boat was known to have registration numbers PKFB909, GT 54.96, the Malaysian flag, the captain with the initials MYO (40 years) and was successfully secured at coordinates 03°23'739" U - 100°12'421" T waters of the Malacca Strait.

"The arrest was made after the VIEW KAL patrol team I-172 confirmed the whereabouts of the ship was carrying out illegal activities," he said.