VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Edhy Prabowo. (ANTARA FOTO/Jimmy Ayal)

Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Edhy Prabowo echoed his ministry’s unwavering commitment to boosting maritime patrols to eradicate illegal fishing in the Indonesian waters.

"We remain committed to enforcing the law at sea to eradicate illegal fishing as well as destructive fishing and various other violations at sea that can potentially damage our marine resources," Prabowo remarked after inaugurating 30 civil servant investigators (PPNS) at the Maluku governor’s office in Ambon, Maluku, on Monday.

Hopes ride high that the newly installed PPNS would help tighten the supervision of the marine area in Maluku Province blessed with abundant marine and fishery resources.

The Indonesian government remains resolute to protecting the nation’s maritime areas and sustainably developing marine resources for the economic benefit of the community. Moreover, the minister believes that maintaining its sustainability is crucial for the welfare and betterment of the future generation.

Since taking on duties as the maritime affairs and fisheries minister from October 2019, or less than a year back, a total of 71 vessels comprising 54 foreign fishing vessels (KIA) and 17 Indonesian fishing vessels (KII) were detained for conducting illegal fishing activities in the Indonesian waters.

The detained foreign fishing boats constituted 25 Vietnamese boats, 16 Philippine boats, 12 Malaysian boats, and a Taiwanese boat.

The ministry has currently tasked 575 investigators with enforcing the law of the sea.

"On several occasions, I have said that in connection with illegal and destructive fishing activities, KKP’s stance remains clear. We will deal with them firmly," he affirmed. (ANTARA)