KKP Calls Malaysian-Philippine Ships Most Often Fishy In The Indonesian Sea

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) illegally arrested 240 fishing vessels throughout 2024.

Of these, there are illegal fishing vessels originating from neighboring countries, such as Malaysia, Vietnam to the Philippines.

Director General of Marine and Fishery Resources Supervision (PSDKP) KKP Pung Nugroho Saksono or Ipunk revealed, as many as 7 fishing vessels from Malaysia, 17 fishing vessels from the Philippines, 3 vessels from Vietnam, 1 fishing vessel from Russia and 2 fishing vessels from Sierra Leone.

"The total catch was 240. Indonesia (as many as) 210, then Malaysia 17, Philippines 17, Russia 1. Then Vietnam 3, Sierra Leone 2. So, these are flag states whose ships we have secured," said Ipunk at a press conference at the KKP office, Friday, December 20.

Ipunk said the fishermen from neighboring countries used fishing gear that damaged the marine ecosystem, so that fishery resources shifted to Indonesian territory.

"They, right, in terms of managing marine marine resources, use more destructive fishing gear. On average, we catch them using trawlers, right, damaging coral reefs, ecosystems and ecology. If people there (say) are chasing my fish, sir. What is certain is that you enter our territory, we will definitely arrest them," he said.

Ipunk emphasized that his party will continue to cooperate with other law enforcement officers, such as Bakamla, the police to Customs and Excise in securing Indonesian waters.

"Because they use fishing gear that is not environmentally friendly in our place. Unenvironmental fishing gear is prohibited and they are not prohibited, so they enter our area. However, don't worry, we are together with the Police, Bakamla, Customs and Excise. We are all synergizing in securing the waters," he added.