Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Seals and Suspends Fish Processing Operations in Rembang
Jakarta — The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has temporarily halted operations at the Fish Processing Unit (UPI) of PT. ISF located in Kaliori District, Rembang Regency, Central Java. The facility was sealed on Monday, 16 March 2026, following community reports of alleged water pollution.
Pung Nugroho Saksono, Director-General of the KKP’s Human Resources and Marine and Fisheries Infrastructure Division (PSDKP), stated that the sealing was a swift government response to public complaints regarding suspected pollution from the UPI.
“After inspection by Fisheries Supervisors confirmed that the company strongly appeared to cause water pollution in Rembang, we have suspended its operational activities as of today,” said Pung Nugroho in an official statement on Tuesday (17/3/2026).
The director-general noted that he had previously ordered Fisheries Supervisors at the Cilacap PSDKP Station to inspect PT. ISF. Field surveillance revealed indicators of pollution allegedly stemming from the processing of fish heads for fish meal (fish protein powder) production.
“Officers discovered an outlet pipe extending into the sea with noticeably turbid water in the surrounding area. Additionally, in the fish meal processing area, a foul odour emanated from raw fish head materials, and water discharge from trucks transporting raw materials was observed in the vicinity,” he explained.
Dwi Santoso Wibowo, Head of the Cilacap PSDKP Station, added that the company could not demonstrate adequate waste treatment facilities specifically for the fish meal production process.
“Satellite imagery analysis also revealed the presence of a pipe between two ponds, strongly suspected to be a source of water pollution,” said Dwi.
Pung Nugroho indicated that the KKP, in coordination with the Ministry of Environment (KLH), is investigating potential criminal charges related to water pollution.
“If the company fails to take follow-up action on waste treatment, enforcement will proceed. During inspections, officers identified indicators of non-compliance with waste discharge procedures,” he stated firmly.
The temporary suspension aims to prevent broader damage to fishery resources and the marine environment, emphasising that the company must utilise wastewater treatment installations in compliance with established standards.
Following field findings, the Cilacap PSDKP Station Fisheries Supervisors took decisive action by temporarily suspending operations in accordance with Article 17(2)(b) of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Regulation No. 4 of 2025, amending Regulation No. 47 of 2020 on the Implementation of Fisheries Supervisor duties.
This action aligns with directives from Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, which mandate that all fish processing units comply with applicable licensing documents and established environmental standards. The KKP will not tolerate industrial activities that disregard ecological considerations for the sake of economic profit alone.