KKP clarifies vessels in Merauke are not 'trawl'

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has clarified that the fishing vessels in question from fishermen in Merauke Regency are not of the trawl or tiger seine type, but instead use Shrimp Pocket Hauling Nets (JHUB), which are permitted under strict regulations.

The Director General of Capture Fisheries at KKP, Lotharia Latif, stated in a KKP press release in Jakarta on Sunday that the operation of JHUB is not conducted freely, but through rigorous selection and only in designated areas.

“The operation of vessels using JHUB gear is only permitted in specific 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.

She emphasised that strengthening the governance of capture fisheries continues to be carried out to maintain the sustainability of fish resources while promoting economic growth and community welfare.

These regulations refer to Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Regulation Number 36 of 2023, which governs the placement of fishing gear in measured fishing zones and fisheries management areas.

In that regulation, tiger seine or trawl is included as prohibited fishing gear because it has the potential to damage fish resources.

Meanwhile, JHUB is permitted with certain technical specifications to avoid damaging the environment and not interfering with other fishing gear.

To ensure implementation in the field, Latif mentioned that KKP has also issued Circular Letter of the Director General of Capture Fisheries Number B.315/MEN-DJPT/PI.220/IV/2026, which regulates the operation of JHUB in Zone 03 of WPPNRI 718.

In that rule, the use of JHUB is only allowed in specific areas based on coordinate points, using gear in accordance with provisions, and must consider the presence of other fishermen to prevent conflicts in the field.

KKP also requires business actors to maintain the safety and security of operations and comply with all specified fishing gear specifications. Violations will be subject to sanctions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Surveillance, Latif continued, will be strengthened through synergy with fisheries supervisors, the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL), and other law enforcement agencies.

Previously, a number of fishermen affiliated with the All-Indonesian Fishermen’s Association (HNSI) in Merauke held a protest on 20 April 2026. They rejected the operation of vessels suspected of using trawl because it was feared to disrupt local fishermen’s catches.

In response to the protest, KKP urged the public not to be provoked by incorrect information.

KKP also clarified that the vessel owned by PT Tri Kusuma Graha, based at the Merauke Fishing Port (PPN), has not been able to operate to date because it has not met all permitting requirements, including the Fishing Capture Permit (SIPI).

“If during the permitting process there are provisions that cannot be met, the permit will not be issued,” said Latif.

Latif stated that KKP, through port authorities and local fisheries services, is also opening space for dialogue with fishermen to avoid misunderstandings.