Natuna Regency Government and Navy Fleet Command Collaborate to Protect Fishermen
The Natuna Regency Government, together with the Fleet Combat Group (Guspurla) of the Indonesian Navy’s Fleet Command I, is strengthening coordination to maintain the security and comfort of fishermen following suspected entries of foreign fishing vessels (KIA) into the North Natuna Sea.
Natuna Regent Cen Sui Lan stated on Thursday that the regional government facilitated a meeting on Wednesday (10/6) between the Indonesian Fishermen’s Association (HNSI), fishermen representatives, and elements of the Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance (PSDKP), Guspurla Koarmada I, the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla), and other relevant agencies.
“Although Natuna does not have authority over sea territory, that does not mean we wash our hands of the matter. Therefore, we brought together the fishermen and the authorised agencies so that various findings in the field can be known and solutions can be sought together,” Cen said.
She explained that the meeting, held at the Natuna Regent’s Office, aimed to align perceptions between fishermen and the authorities so that fishing activities can proceed safely and comfortably. Besides serving as a discussion forum for various fishermen’s issues, the activity also included education on maritime boundaries using maps to improve navigational safety. Natuna shares direct borders with Malaysia and Vietnam.
Based on information from fishermen, the presence of foreign fishing vessels is suspected to have caused a decline in local fishermen’s catches. Natuna fishermen generally use traditional fishing gear such as hand lines, whereas foreign vessels employ large-capacity nets and more modern technology.
She noted that reports regarding the suspected presence of foreign fishing vessels often reach the authorities late because some fishermen still lack adequate communication equipment. Consequently, the Natuna Regency Government and Guspurla Koarmada I Commander, First Admiral TNI Nurlan, will seek to provide communication equipment support for the fishermen.
“We need communication tools so that fishermen can immediately report findings in the field to Guspurla or the nearest Navy post for prompt follow-up,” she said. “We will also coordinate with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries so that policies unsuitable for Natuna fishermen can be reviewed.”
Meanwhile, HNSI Natuna official Aprizal expressed appreciation for the regency government’s initiative in facilitating the meeting between fishermen and relevant agencies. According to him, this effort provides a platform for fishermen to convey the various problems they face directly to the authorities. “The Regent has not only been a good listener but has also given us space to discuss with the authorities,” Aprizal said.