Criticised by MUI, Jakarta Provincial Government: Difficult to Ensure All Sailfin Catfish Are Dead Before Burial

The Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) Fatwa Commission has criticised the burial procedures in the sailfin catfish capture operation conducted by the Jakarta Provincial Government on Friday (17 April 2026). The sailfin catfish were allegedly buried while still alive.

The Head of the Jakarta Provincial Food Security, Maritime, and Agriculture Office (DKPKP), Hasudungan A Sidabalok, acknowledged that some of the captured sailfin catfish were still alive when buried. According to him, it is difficult to ensure all sailfin catfish are dead before burial in the operation.

“The incident of burying large quantities of sailfin catfish is indeed difficult to avoid, even though some are killed first before burial,” he said when confirmed by Republika on Monday (20 April 2026).

Nevertheless, he stated that an evaluation will be conducted regarding the handling of the captured sailfin catfish. The Jakarta Provincial Government is said to coordinate with various parties, from academics, research institutions, practitioners, to the central government, regarding the operation.

According to Hasudungan, the coordination is aimed at formulating the most effective and efficient methods for destroying the captured sailfin catfish. Thus, the methods used do not violate religious principles.

“So as not to violate religious principles while also in accordance with animal welfare,” said Hasudungan.

In the sailfin catfish capture operation held by the Jakarta Provincial Government in five city areas last Friday, at least 68,880 fish or 6.98 tonnes of sailfin catfish were captured. The majority of the catch was handled by burial.

Previously, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung stated that he would follow up on suggestions from MUI regarding the burial procedures for the captured sailfin catfish. According to him, the Jakarta Provincial Government will seek experts to adjust the burial procedures for sailfin catfish.

“Regarding the earlier question, there are suggestions and criticisms from MUI, later I will ask experts to adjust the procedures,” he said on Sunday (19 April 2026).

He explained that the sailfin catfish capture operation from rivers in Jakarta was carried out to maintain the ecosystem. The uncontrolled presence of sailfin catfish could threaten endemic aquatic animals in the river areas.