Indonesia loses $4b to illegal fishing
JAKARTA (JP): Illegal foreign fishing in Indonesian waters costs the country an estimated US$4 billion in lost revenue every year.
Newly appointed Minister of Maritime Exploration Sarwono Kusumaatmadja noted that foreigners were getting more out of Indonesia's maritime resources than Indonesians themselves.
He pointed out that Indonesia was only earning some $2.2 billion from its fishing sector.
"It is our water and our fish but we're actually losing," he said after meeting with President Abdurrahman Wahid on Saturday to coordinate the work of the new ministry.
The President has identified the exploitation of marine resources as one specific sector in which his government will focus more attention on.
Sarwono, who has served as Minister of Environment and Minister of State Administrative Reforms in previous governments, said one of the primary tasks for the new office was to ensure that Indonesians, particularly those living in coastal areas, fully enjoy the fruits of their labor.
One of the most immediate solutions to stop illegal fishing is by strengthening the Navy to deter intrusions of foreign vessels fishing in Indonesian waters, he said.
"We must strengthen our Navy," he said.
Another concern was the drastic rate of marine devastation due to pollution and other irresponsible actions which damage the environment and marine ecosystem.
On the work of the new ministry, Sarwono said he would establish research teams in the near future to analyze the problems facing the ocean's environment which would in turn help structure how the ministry could help resolve them.
"This department has to work appropriately right from the start so there will be no doubts about its relevance," he said, noting that through the years there were several failed attempts made by the bureaucracy to resolve maritime problems.
He referred to the National Maritime Board which was set up under the initiative of the late Soesilo Soedarman, who was then coordinating minister for political affairs and security.
Unfortunately, just after the board was established, Soesilo died leaving it without a strong catalyst.
In a related development, the Navy intends to build a base at Belinyu, North Bangka, South Sumatra.
Bangka regent Col. Eko Maulana Ali told Antara that a 1.2 hectare area near the coast was appropriated for the base which he hoped would be in operation by next year.
He said the area was an ideal location not only because of the depth of water for large naval ships need to anchor in, but also for being a strategic gateway location which could help patrol for illegal fishing.
Eko said illegal fishing was harmful not only to the livelihood of local fishermen but also to the income of the local government.
Despite its vast area of ocean, the Bangka regency only receives some Rp 150 million a year. (mds)