167 trawlers destroyed

BELAWAN, North Sumatra: The Navy destroyed 167 trawlers they seized during a crackdown on the Sumatran waters over the weekend.

Chief of the Bukit Barisan military command Maj. Gen. Arie J. Kumaat torched the trawlers in a ceremony at the local navy base in Belawan.

Trawlers, which catch fish of practically all sizes, are banned under Indonesian law. The law is aimed at protecting the livelihood of traditional and small-scale fishermen.

The trawlers were among 188 illegal fishing boats impounded over the past six months at the Asahan and Tanjungbalai waters. Dozens of their crew members will be brought to trial.

The operation also impounded 15 boats used to smuggle Indonesian job seekers to Malaysia, 15 ships used to carry stolen logs and 23 troublemakers were arrested, Antara reported. (pan)