inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Indonesian House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani emphasized that illegal fishing activities by foreign parties that have occurred again in the North Natuna Sea, Riau Islands, are a violation of Indonesia's sovereignty.

"This is not just a matter of fish theft. This is a violation of the sovereignty of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). Indonesia's sovereignty must be maintained," said Puan Maharani in her statement in Jakarta on Tuesday (4/29/2025).

This was conveyed by Puan in response to the capture of a Vietnamese ship that was stealing fish in Indonesian waters by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) together with the Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) which was carrying out an integrated operation around the Natuna Islands (4/14/2025).

The foreign ships were monitored freely fishing in Indonesia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Two ships with hull names 936 TS (135 GT) and 5762 TS (150 GT) were also found to be operating trawl fishing gear that damaged the marine ecosystem.

Puan emphasized that the use of trawl fishing gear can threaten the condition of the Indonesian sea. The use of trawl fishing gear violates Indonesian law and also destroys the marine ecosystem.

Based on the results of the inspection of the two ships, there were approximately 4,500 kilograms of mixed fish cargo and 30 Vietnamese crew members.

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries said that the two foreign fishing vessels flying the Vietnamese flag were suspected of violating Article 92 in conjunction with Article 26 paragraph (1), and Article 85 in conjunction with Article 9 paragraph (1), in conjunction with Article 102 of Law Number 31 of 2004.

The ministry also predicted that state losses due to fish theft by foreign vessels reached IDR 152.8 billion, calculated from the results of fish catches after being raided by officers.

Puan also urged the relevant ministries/institutions, especially the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and the Indonesian Navy to take a firm stance against foreign vessels entering Indonesian waters without permission. She also encouraged support for local fishermen to be strengthened, including assistance with fishing fleets and guarantees of markets for their catches.

"Prevention is the key. We can no longer wait for similar incidents to happen again," concludes Puan.

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