Fishermen in Merauke Reject Trawl Vessel Operations, This is KKP's Response
The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has responded to the rejection by fishermen in Merauke of vessel operations using tiger seine nets or trawl gear. The government has reaffirmed that trawl vessels remain prohibited from operating, while those using Shrimp Pocketed Shrimp Nets (JHUB) are permitted but subject to strict regulatory controls.
Director General of Capture Fisheries, Lotharia Latif, explained that JHUB vessel operations are not conducted freely but are restricted to specific areas.
“The operation of vessels using JHUB gear is only permitted in certain areas that have been clearly designated on maps and coordinates. This is to ensure there is no overlap with the fishing areas of small-scale fishermen,” said Latif in his statement, quoted on Monday (27/4/2026).
He emphasised that national capture fisheries governance is continuously strengthened to maintain fish resource sustainability while promoting economic growth and community welfare. This arrangement refers to Ministerial Regulation on Marine Affairs and Fisheries No. 36 of 2023.
“That regulation clearly stipulates permitted and prohibited fishing gear. One of the prohibited gears is the tiger seine or trawl, as it has the potential to damage fish resource sustainability,” he explained.
“Meanwhile, the Shrimp Pocketed Shrimp Net (JHUB) under that regulation is a permitted gear, with different specifications and strictly regulated to avoid damaging resources or interfering with other fishing gear,” he added.
To ensure implementation proceeds according to the rules, KKP has also issued a circular regarding JHUB vessel operations in specific areas. Under those rules, fishing activities may only be conducted at designated coordinates, using gear that meets specifications, and must consider the presence of other fishermen.
KKP also stressed that business actors must maintain operational safety and security and avoid conflicts with traditional fishermen. Violations of the provisions will result in sanctions.
“Violations of those provisions will be subject to sanctions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,” Latif asserted.
Field supervision, he continued, will be strengthened through synergy with fisheries supervisors, the Navy (TNI AL), and other law enforcement authorities.
Previously, a rejection action was carried out by fishermen affiliated with the All-Indonesian Fishermen’s Union (HNSI) Merauke on 20 April 2026. They were concerned that the trawl vessel operations would disrupt local fishermen’s catches.
In response, KKP urged the public not to be provoked by unverified information. The government also confirmed that the vessel owned by PT Tri Kusuma Graha, which is currently in the spotlight, cannot yet operate because it has not met all permitting requirements, including the Fishing Vessel Licence (SIPI).
“If there are permitting requirements that cannot be met during the process, the licence will not be issued,” Latif stated.
KKP stated that it has opened channels for dialogue with fishermen in Merauke to ensure policies are fully understood and to avoid misunderstandings. On the other hand, a community figure from Merauke, Frederikus Gebze, expressed support for fisheries sector investment in South Papua.
“The presence of investment is expected to contribute to regional income and improve community welfare, of course, while still complying with applicable provisions,” he said.
As part of measured fishing policies, the government emphasised that JHUB use aims to balance the optimisation of shrimp resource utilisation with the protection of small-scale fishermen.
Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, has on various occasions also stressed that every fisheries management policy must prioritise the principles of sustainability and fairness for all business actors and particularly local fishermen.