inp.polri.go.id - Batam. The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) arrested two foreign fishing vessels (KIA) flying the Vietnamese flag that were caught fishing in the waters of North Natuna, Riau Islands.

The Director General of Marine Resources and Fisheries Supervision (PSDKP) of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Pung Nugroho Saksono (Ipunk) said that the arrests began with information from local fishermen about the many foreign fishing vessels operating in Natuna waters.

"This law enforcement is a real manifestation of the state's presence in protecting our waters from fish theft, and a quick response to public reports," said Ipunk in Batam, Saturday (5/24/2025) .

From the two vessels, he said, 19 crew members (ABK) including the ship's captain were secured.

The arrest of the two Vietnamese fishing vessels was led directly by Ipunk using the KP. ORCA 03 Surveillance Vessel captained by Muhammad Ma'ruf and KP. Orca 02 captained by Ilman Rustam on Friday (23/5).

In addition to stealing fish, said Ipunk, the Vietnamese ship used a pair of trawl fishing gear, which is prohibited in Indonesian waters. The fishing gear is active, its pulling power is very large and its impact can destroy coral reefs and aquatic ecosystems.

Ipunk said that the ship had moved the contents of its catch to a larger ship in the border area. From the ship, 70 kg of fish caught in Natuna waters were still stored. The value of the stolen fish is estimated at IDR 61.4 billion.

Furthermore, the ship and crew were secured at the Batam PSDKP Base to be processed legally. Until waiting for the court's decision.

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