Indonesian Navy Captures Vietnamese-flagged Fishing Vessel In North Natuna Waters

Handover of foreign fishing vessels caught from the Commander of KRI Sultan Thaha Syaifuddin - 376, Marine Lt. Col. (F) Bambang Budiono/Via ANTARA

NATUNA - A total of 376 BKO Marine Combat Group Koarmada I, within the framework of the Rakata Jaya - 22 operation, managed to catch a Vietnamese-flagged foreign fishing vessel (KIA) in the North Natuna Sea while fishing without a permit.

"Based on the examination, it is known that the initial suspicion of KIA Vietnam BV 5119 TS has been fishing in the waters of the North Natuna Sea continental shelf," said the Commander of the Ranai Navy Base, Marine Colonel (F) Arif Prasetyo I in a press statement received in Natuna, Riau Islands, Antara, Tuesday, June 21.

When the inspection was carried out, the KIA skipper could not show a fishing license (SIPI) in the territory of the Republic of Indonesia. Furthermore, DanRanai Navy Base said that 9 crew members including the captain were detained at Ranai Navy Base, then foreign fishing vessels with Vietnamese flags docked at the pier of the Indonesian Navy Post Sabang Mawang Ranai Navy Base for further processing.

Previously on Sunday, June 19, 2022, at 16.00 WIB, KRI Sultan Thaha Syaifuddin - 376 which was carrying out Operation Rakata Jaya - 22 was in the North Natuna Sea at position 06° 30' 115" U - 107° 35' 845 "T carried out an inspection of the KIA BV 5119 TS with the Vietnamese flag, documents and 9 crew members including the captain.

From the results of the inspection, it was found that the Vietnamese-flagged BV 5119 TS ship, whose captain was Tra Van Huyen, a Vietnamese national, was suspected of committing a fishery crime, namely carrying out fishing activities without a fishing permit for foreign vessels in Indonesian waters which allegedly violated Article 27 paragraph 2 Jo Article 93 paragraph 2 of the Republic of Indonesia Law Number 45 of 2009 concerning fisheries.

The foreign fishing vessel with the Vietnamese flag is suspected of carrying out fishing activities using prohibited fishing gear, namely using a trawler or tiger trap which is suspected of violating Article 9 in conjunction with Article 28 of Law No. 45 of 2009 on fisheries.

Furthermore, the Commander of KRI Sultan Thaha Syaifuddin - 376 Marine Lieutenant Colonel (F) Bambang Budiono, M.Tr.Opsla handed over the foreign fishing boat BV 5119 TS with the Vietnamese flag to Pasops Lana Ranai Mayor of the Sea (F) Pitrajaya Burnama for further processing.