JAKARTA - The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) released 1,300 Napoleon fish (Cheilinus undulatus) in the North Sulawesi Regional Waters Conservation Area (KKPD) on June 5 and 7.
The Napoleon fish that was released was the cargo of the MV Silver Island (492 GT) ship with the flag of Sao Tome and Principe which was arrested by the Orca 04 Surveillance Ship (KP) in the waters of the Sulawesi Sea on May 29, 2026 while sailing to Hong Kong.
Director General of Marine Resources and Fisheries Supervision (PSDKP) Pung Nugroho Saksono said the release was carried out as a form of saving fishery resources that were secured in a living condition.
"This release is in line with the spirit of law enforcement which still maintains the sustainability of marine and fisheries resources," said Pung Nugroho as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, June 9.
Pung explained that if the evidence secured is live fish and belongs to a protected species, rescue action must be taken immediately by returning it to its natural habitat.
According to him, this step is aimed at maintaining the sustainability of Indonesia's fisheries resources while ensuring that the law enforcement process still pays attention to conservation aspects.
Meanwhile, the Director of Handling Violations of the Directorate General of PSDKPKKP Halid K. Jusuf said the release process was carried out in two stages by considering the very large number of fish and weather conditions that support.
"In the context of the investigation process by the Civil Servant Investigator (PPNS), some of these Napoleon fish have been set aside to be used as evidence samples in the trial," said Halid.
Khalid said that the case is currently in the investigation stage to uncover the parties involved in the alleged smuggling of Napoleon fish.
"Investigators also immediately summoned and asked for information from the owner, the person in charge of the MV Silver Island, and other parties related to this network," he said.
KKP noted that the Napoleon fish is one type of high economic value coral fish whose utilization is strictly regulated to maintain the sustainability of its population in nature.
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