Government Successfully Seizes Foreign Vessels in Natuna, Saves State Losses of IDR 64.1 Billion
Jakarta – The Indonesian government has once again proven its commitment to safeguarding maritime sovereignty and marine resources. The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) successfully apprehended two illegal fishing vessels from Vietnam in the North Natuna Sea, Riau Islands Province. The vessels, weighing 120 gross tons (GT) and 97 GT respectively, were caught using destructive fishing gear known as pair trawl—a method strictly prohibited in Indonesian waters.
Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, affirmed that this firm action was part of his direct instruction to the ministry to consistently combat illegal fishing and the use of harmful fishing gear. “We want Indonesia’s marine and fishery resources to remain sustainable and well-preserved,” he stated.
The interception operation was personally led by the Director General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance (PSDKP), Dr. Pung Nugroho Saksono, commonly known as Ipunk. Acting on public reports and data from the command center monitoring system, two patrol vessels—KP. Orca 03 and KP. Orca 02—successfully intercepted the Vietnamese-flagged vessels with hull numbers KG 6219TS and KG 6277TS.
“This operation was a rapid response to public complaints. Once the information was verified, we proceeded with pursuit and enforcement,” said Ipunk. He explained that pair trawl nets are active fishing gear that can damage coral reefs, catch juvenile fish, and ultimately harm fish stock regeneration.
In addition to the two vessels, authorities detained 19 Vietnamese crew members and seized around 70 kilograms of fish. “The estimated value of state losses averted from this operation is IDR 64.1 billion,” Ipunk added.
The captain of the KG 6219TS, identified by the initials LVP, admitted that they entered Indonesian waters out of desperation, as fish stocks in their home country had become severely depleted. This statement reinforces the notion that the North Natuna Sea is a prime target due to its abundant marine resources.
Saiful Umam, Director of Fleet Operation Control, also highlighted the risks posed by the entry of large foreign vessels using banned fishing gear. According to him, if left unchecked, local fishermen would be unable to compete. “The KKP will continue to strengthen surveillance in the North Natuna Sea,” he emphasized. He further noted that both seized vessels have been escorted to the PSDKP Base in Batam for legal proceedings.
This achievement adds to the series of successful operations by the KKP. Between January and May 2025, the government has secured 34 vessels suspected of illegal fishing, consisting of 11 foreign and 23 domestic vessels.
Through these efforts, the government has not only averted significant potential state losses, but also sent a strong message to the international community that Indonesia will not tolerate violations of its maritime sovereignty and marine ecosystem.
