"Based on the initial investigation, the Vietnamese foreign fishing ship was identified as BD 93656 TS, with six foreign crew members, including the skipper. It was allegedly fishing illegally in the Indonesian Exclusive Economic Zone," Commander of the combat group of the Navy's Western Fleet Command (Koarmada I) Commodore Dato Rusman noted in a statement here on Friday.
The foreign ship was seized by the Indonesian naval ship KRI John Lie-358 during its routine patrolling in the waters of North Natuna Sea on Thursday (Oct 8).
"While conducting its routine patrol in the North Natuna Sea, KRI John-Lie 358 detected a foreign fishing vessel allegedly poaching in the Indonesian territory," he remarked.
The Navy ship deployed its Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) team, but the illegal fishing ship attempted to flee after switching off the lamp and release the fishing net.
However, the Indonesian naval ship managed to intercept and detained the ship.
"There is no hesitation in taking action against violators of the law in the Indonesian waters, especially in the operation area of the Koarmada I," he noted.
Meanwhile, Commander of Koarmada I Rear Admiral Abdul Rasyid remarked that the Indonesian Navy will ensure security and uphold the sovereignty of Indonesia, particularly in the operation area of Koarmada I.
"The Vietnamese-flagged ship BD 93656 TS and its six crew members were escorted to the Ranai Navy Base for further investigation," he revealed.
The action was taken under article 93 (2) Jo article 27 (2) of Law No. 45 of 2009 on fisheries for illegally operated a foreign fishing vessel in the Indonesian Exclusive Economic Zone, Rasyid stated. Related news: Filipino, Malaysian fishing boats detained by Indonesia over poaching
Related news: Malaysian-flagged fishing boat detained in Malacca Strait
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Abdu Faisal, Sri Haryati
Editor: Suharto
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