The Natuna Regency Government, together with the Fleet Combat Group\n(Guspurla) of the Indonesian Navy\u2019s Fleet Command I, is strengthening\ncoordination to maintain the security and comfort of fishermen following\nsuspected entries of foreign fishing vessels (KIA) into the North Natuna\nSea.<\/p>\n
Natuna Regent Cen Sui Lan stated on Thursday that the regional\ngovernment facilitated a meeting on Wednesday (10\/6) between the\nIndonesian Fishermen\u2019s Association (HNSI), fishermen representatives,\nand elements of the Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance (PSDKP),\nGuspurla Koarmada I, the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla),\nand other relevant agencies.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough Natuna does not have authority over sea territory, that\ndoes not mean we wash our hands of the matter. Therefore, we brought\ntogether the fishermen and the authorised agencies so that various\nfindings in the field can be known and solutions can be sought\ntogether,\u201d Cen said.<\/p>\n
She explained that the meeting, held at the Natuna Regent\u2019s Office,\naimed to align perceptions between fishermen and the authorities so that\nfishing activities can proceed safely and comfortably. Besides serving\nas a discussion forum for various fishermen\u2019s issues, the activity also\nincluded education on maritime boundaries using maps to improve\nnavigational safety. Natuna shares direct borders with Malaysia and\nVietnam.<\/p>\n
Based on information from fishermen, the presence of foreign fishing\nvessels is suspected to have caused a decline in local fishermen\u2019s\ncatches. Natuna fishermen generally use traditional fishing gear such as\nhand lines, whereas foreign vessels employ large-capacity nets and more\nmodern technology.<\/p>\n
She noted that reports regarding the suspected presence of foreign\nfishing vessels often reach the authorities late because some fishermen\nstill lack adequate communication equipment. Consequently, the Natuna\nRegency Government and Guspurla Koarmada I Commander, First Admiral TNI\nNurlan, will seek to provide communication equipment support for the\nfishermen.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need communication tools so that fishermen can immediately report\nfindings in the field to Guspurla or the nearest Navy post for prompt\nfollow-up,\u201d she said. \u201cWe will also coordinate with the Ministry of\nMarine Affairs and Fisheries so that policies unsuitable for Natuna\nfishermen can be reviewed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, HNSI Natuna official Aprizal expressed appreciation for\nthe regency government\u2019s initiative in facilitating the meeting between\nfishermen and relevant agencies. According to him, this effort provides\na platform for fishermen to convey the various problems they face\ndirectly to the authorities. \u201cThe Regent has not only been a good\nlistener but has also given us space to discuss with the authorities,\u201d\nAprizal said.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/natuna-regency-government-and-navy-fleet-command-collaborate-to-protect-fishermen-1781162412", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }