Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Strengthens Supervision to Eradicate Illegal Fishing

Jakarta, InfoPublik –Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono is swifting to improve the ministry’s apparatus performance. An integrated surveillance ecosystem is one of the strategies to be developed to realize effective and efficient surveillance of marine and fisheries resources.

The minister, who is usually called Trenggono, also ensures that he will strengthen supervision in areas prone to illegal fishing.

"The surveillance ecosystem must be integrated, starting from surveillance vessels, supervisory institutions, human resources, to technology and other supporting facilities," Trenggono explained while visiting the Ministry’s Control Center (PUSDAL), Tuesday (29/12).

Trenggono emphasized the importance of an integrated surveillance ecosystem as a comprehensive approach in monitoring marine and fishery resources and eradicating illegal fishing. This is important so that field personnel can respond to various dynamics and challenges in monitoring marine and fisheries resources.

Trenggono further mentioned that apart from illegal foreign fishing vessels, Indonesian vessels must also be monitored and supervised.

"I am very concerned with the issue of the marine and fishery resources sustainability. Marine and fishery resources must be used in a sustainable manner," said Trenggono.

During the visit, Trenggono observed the Mnistry's PUSDAL facilities first-hand and learned technology and working mechanism of fishing boat monitoring from the Director of Fleet Monitoring and Operations, Pung Nugroho Saksono.

Trenggono expressed his appreciation for the existing PUSDAL monitoring system while ensuring that he will continue to strengthen the system, one of which by the provision of RADAR data.

"Real-time monitoring data is required to achieve good success rate of sea operations," he said.

He also directed personel in the Maritime and Fisheries Monitoring Task Force Directorate General (PSDKP) to improve supervision in areas prone to illegal fishing. Apart from preserving marine and fishery resources, surveillance in vulnerable areas, especially in the outer islands, also plays an important role in maintain sovereignty.

"I will support the strengthening of supervisory institutions in vulnerable locations such as the North Natuna Sea and other locations. We must not lose to irresponsible parties who want to rob the archipelago’s marine resources," concluded Trenggono.

As is known since being inaugurated by President Jokowi on 23 December 2020, Trenggono, who was appointed to replace Edhy Prabowo, immediately stepped on the gas to build the Marine and Fisheries sector under his responsibility.

Supervision of Marine and Fisheries Resources is one of Trenggono's main focuses to ensure that it can be utilized for the welfare of coastal communities and fishermen. (Reporter: Baheramsyah, Translator: Penni P. Rusman)