Inp.polri.go.id- Denpasar. The Indonesian government has proposed to categorize fish theft as  transnational organized crime during the 61st meeting of the Asia-Africa Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO) held in Nusa Dua, Bali. "I am confident that AALCO will continue to play its constructive role in representing the interests of Asian-African nations in addressing global challenges," said Cahyo R. Muzhar, the Director-General of General Legal Administration at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, during the event on Tuesday (17/10/23). The Chairman of the 61st AALCO Indonesian Delegation emphasized the importance of recognizing illegal fishing as a form of transnational organized crime due to its substantial worldwide impact. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization  (FAO), losses attributed to fish theft were estimated at a USD 23 billion annually. However, categorizing fish theft as a transnational organized crime poses challenges, particularly because not all AALCO member countries share the same geographical conditions as Indonesia, which boasts an extensive maritime area with an exclusive economic zone (ZEE). Moreover, some perpetrators of fish theft originate from AALCO member countries or operate vessels flying the flags of these member nations. Indonesia has been actively seeking common ground among AALCO countries and determined to raise the issue in other global forums, including the United Nations. (ar/inp/pr/nm)