Member Of The DPD RI Imbau Publik Guard Determination Of The EEZ Boundary With Vietnam

Illustration. (Photo: Unsplash)

JAKARTA - The long negotiation process related to the stipulation of Indonesia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) with Vietnam has yet to find an agreement.

The ongoing negotiation process made various parties finally open their voices and asked the government to be firm and not to harm Indonesia. This is because the North Natuna Sea holds a very abundant natural wealth.

In addition, the presence of foreign-flagged ships in the North Natuna Sea is also considered to have harmed Indonesia. Where, illegal fishing is carried out using a pair type of trading device which is included in the category of damaging Fish Resources (SDI).

The Ocean Justice Initiative (IOJI) stated that during the period from July to September 2022, 54 foreign fishing vessels (KIA) with Vietnamese flags continued to carry out illegal fishing in the North Natuna Sea.

DPD RI member from DKI Jakarta Fahira Idris in a written statement in Jakarta, quoted on Tuesday, December 13, emphasized that Indonesia must be firm in the matter of negotiating the limits of the EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) with Vietnam and the IUU fishing by Vietnam in order to safeguard national interests.

"Kita tahu bersama penetapan batas EEZ RI-Vietnam merugikan kedaulatan dan sektor perikanan Indonesia. Bahkan yang membuat kita semua gerah adalah, pemerintah Indonesia telah memberikan konsesi ke Vietnam dalam negosiasi, namun di saat proses memajukan negosiasi sedang berlangsung, kegiatan illegal fishing oleh kapal Vietnam di daerah Laut Natuna Utara tidak pernah berhenti. Ini jelas-benar tindakan yang tidak bisa diperkinkan," ujar Fahira.

"Regarding the concession, I ask that if there is a draft concession or agreement submitted by the Indonesian side and the Vietnamese side, it should be explained to the public. No one of the clauses submitted will actually harm us. I urge the public to oversee every process of negotiating the EEZ border with the biotnam," said Fahira Idris.

According to him, the DPR RI according to its main duties and responsibilities must supervise and oversee and ensure that the negotiation process with Vietnam does not harm the national interest in the slightest.

The same thing must also be done by the relevant ministries and institutions. The point is, Indonesia must not lose marine areas and potential fish resources in this negotiation.

The reason is, the rise of IUU fishing that occurs in Indonesia has resulted in significant losses for Indonesia ranging from ecological impacts, economic impacts, and the image of Indonesia in the international world.

It must be admitted that Indonesian law enforcement and fisheries regulations are still weak. This condition made Vietnamese ships even more courageous, especially in Natuna. This is a serious problem because Vietnamese ships are fishing using pair fishing gear or trawling tigers.

As a result, fishermen become worse because on the coast they have to deal with cantrang boats and in the high seas North Natuna is dealing with foreign fishing vessels.

"I ask that the Indonesian government be firm in this matter, because we have the main authority and obligation to take all necessary actions to take action against violations of the use of fish resources (SDI) in Indonesia's EEZ. We must emphasize to Vietnam that the operation of their ship to the south of the Indonesian continental line and Vietnam is a violation of Indonesia's sovereign rights," continued Fahira Idris.

Fahira Idris emphasized that fishermen cannot be left alone to protect their interests. This is the duty and obligation of the government. He also asked the Government of Indonesia to be highly committed to prioritizing national interests, including in the management of the Indonesian EEZ, in this case, which borders Vietnam.

This includes continuing to increase the capacity and ability of Indonesian fishermen both quantitatively and qualitatively with an effective, efficient and environmentally friendly approach to education, training, and innovation of fishing technology.