In a press statement received by ANTARA, the ministry said on Friday, June 17, 2016 at 4:24 AM, the Indonesian Navy vessel located 10 to 12 foreign fishing vessels (KIA) in the Natuna waters in Indonesias EEZ.
Some foreign fishing vessels were seen throwing nets and allegedly indulging in Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing.
After they saw the Indonesian Navy ship, these 12 Foreign Fishing Vessels escaped from the area but four ships of the navy went in pursuit.
The navy ships requested the foreign fishing vessels, through radio communication and over loudspeaker, to stop and shut off their engines.
The foreign fishing boats ignored the request and picked up speed. After several hours of pursuit, warning shots were fired into the air and sea, which, too, were ignored.
Some of these foreign vessels maneuvered on the sea until they almost rammed a Navy ship and managed to exit the Economic Exclusive Zone of Indonesian Natuna waters.
During pursuit, one of the foreign fishing vessels was successfully detained by the navy ship at 9:55 pm on June 17, 2016.
The ship was carrying seven crew members, including one woman.
All the seven crew members were in good condition and had not suffered any injuries. They were taken to Sabang Mawang.
On the way to Sabang Mawang, the Indonesian Navy ship was approached by the Chinese coastguard vessels in the Natuna waters. The Chinese asked that the foreign fishing vessels be released, a demand that was rejected by the navy as it wanted further investigation and enforcement.
"Currently, investigation is being conducted into allegations of illegal fishing after about two tons of fish was found in the boat," Arrmanatha informed.
Based on international marine treaty UNCLOS of 1982, all countries including Indonesia, are entitled to enforce the law in their waters, including the EEZ.
"Indonesia will continue to enforce the law in all of Indonesian waters," emphasized Arrmanatha.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
