KKP Releases 1,300 Napoleon Fish Seized in Smuggling Case

Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) released 1,300 Napoleon fish (Cheilinus undulatus) in the North Sulawesi Regional Marine Conservation Area on 5 and 7 June 2026. The fish were cargo from the MV Silver Island (492 GT), a vessel flying the flag of Sao Tome and Principe, which was apprehended by the Fisheries Patrol Vessel Orca 04 in Sulawesi Sea waters on 29 May 2026 while sailing towards Hong Kong. Director General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance (PSDKP) Pung Nugroho Saksono stated that the release was carried out as a form of rescue for fisheries resources secured in a live condition. ‘This release aligns with the spirit of law enforcement that continues to safeguard the sustainability of marine and fisheries resources,’ said Pung Nugroho. He explained that if the evidence secured is live fish and belongs to a protected species, rescue action must be taken immediately by returning them to their natural habitat. According to him, this step aims to maintain the sustainability of Indonesia’s fisheries resources whilst ensuring the law enforcement process remains mindful of conservation aspects. Separately, the Director of Violations Handling at PSDKP, Halid K. Jusuf, stated that the release was conducted in two stages, considering the very large number of fish and supportive weather conditions. ‘For the purpose of the investigation by Civil Servant Investigators (PPNS), a portion of these Napoleon fish has been set aside to serve as evidence samples in court,’ said Halid. Halid noted that the case has now entered the investigation stage to uncover the parties involved in the alleged smuggling of Napoleon fish. ‘Investigators will also immediately summon and request statements from the owner, the person responsible for the MV Silver Island, and other parties linked to this network,’ he said. The KKP notes that the Napoleon fish is a type of reef fish with high economic value, whose exploitation is strictly regulated to maintain the sustainability of its population in the wild.