Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and Australia Educate Fishermen to Prevent Illegal Fishing
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) together with the Australia Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) held a public education campaign in Buton and Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi, as an effort to prevent Indonesian fishermen from conducting illegal fishing in Australian waters.
Director General of Capture Fisheries at KKP, Lotharia Latif, explained that this campaign targets not only fishermen but also fishermen’s wives, boat owners, and primary school students.
According to him, this approach is carried out to build broader understanding in coastal communities about the risks and impacts of violating maritime boundaries.
“This effort is a step by the government to strengthen synergy and cooperation with various parties, both at the national and international levels, in suppressing violations by fishermen in the waters of other countries that could potentially disrupt good relations between Indonesia and neighbouring countries,” he stated in an official press release in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Lotharia conveyed that based on AFMA data, there are still fishermen from Buton and Wakatobi who have been arrested by Australian authorities for violating boundaries.
Therefore, he mentioned that the campaign, which took place from 27 to 30 March, provides materials on the Indonesia-Australia maritime boundaries, legal risks, aspects of safety at sea, and the importance of sustainable fisheries management.
He added that fishermen were also equipped with waterproof maps containing information on maritime boundaries and governance of fish resource utilisation at the border.
“Through this activity, we hope that fishermen’s awareness will increase further to not cross national borders while at sea. This effort aligns with the government’s commitment to protecting fishermen while maintaining good relations with neighbouring countries,” said Lotharia.
Furthermore, he stated that the government continues to commit to protecting Indonesian fishermen through preventive and collaborative approaches.
Education, supervision, and international cooperation are believed to be key to suppressing illegal fishing practices while improving fishermen’s welfare.
In addition to KKP and AFMA, this education campaign involves the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, law enforcement apparatus, and local government.