Susi Hopes There Is Firmness Regarding Fish Theft In National Waters

Former Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Susi Pudjiastuti. (Photo: Twitter @susipudjiastuti)

JAKARTA - Former Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Susi Pudjiastuti, expressed her hope that the government can continue to enforce the law against anyone who carries out illegal fishing activities in national waters.

"Treat fish thieves with law enforcement for what they do," said Susi on her Twitter account.

Susi Pudjiastuti emphasized that law enforcement against fish thieves is different from maintaining friendship or an investment climate.

Treat the fish thieves by enforcing the law for what they do. And this is different from maintaining Friendship or investment climate👆 pic.twitter.com/lgqmJqZkzq

- Susi Pudjiastuti (@susipudjiastuti) January 4, 2020

The same request was also conveyed by the Executive Director of the Center for Maritime Studies for Humanity, Abdul Halim. The government, including the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), is expected to continue to encourage more vibrant fishing activities by Indonesian fishermen in the Natuna Sea, which is part of national waters.

"In international diplomacy, presence is the key word that must be won," said Abdul Halim.

For this reason, Abdul Halim also agreed that the KKP must really build the national marine and fisheries sector continuously so that the existence of the Republic of Indonesia can really feel real in Natuna.

Previously, the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan proposed the purchase of large ocean going vessels to protect Indonesia's seas.

This was carried out following the incidence of the entry of a Chinese coast guard vessel into Natuna waters, Riau Islands, which escorted several fishing vessels from the panda country in those waters in December 2019.

"I suggested earlier that there should be a longer ocean going ship. We have never had one as long as this republic was independent. Earlier with Pak Bowo (Prabowo Subianto) wanted to buy a 138-140 meter frigate," he said.

Luhut said that bigger ships are expected to strengthen the protection of the Indonesian sea. In his meeting with Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, Luhut also said that the government agreed to increase the number of patrol boats at the border.

Coordinating Minister Luhut also asked that the problem of the entry of Chinese ships into the waters in Natuna was not exaggerated. However, the Indonesian people are already angry and disappointed, it can be seen from the many protests against this on social media.