Natuna strengthens maritime security amid foreign fishing fears
Natuna District Head Cen Sui Lan said on Thursday the administration had brought together fishermen, the Indonesian Fishermen Association (HNSI), maritime authorities and security agencies at a meeting on June 10.
Although the regency lacks direct authority over maritime areas, it remains responsible for helping address issues affecting local fishermen, Cen said.
The meeting at the Natuna District head’s office aimed to align understanding between fishermen and enforcement agencies to ensure fishing activities could continue safely and without disruption.
In addition to discussing fishermen’s concerns, authorities provided education on maritime boundaries using maps to improve navigation safety in waters adjacent to neighboring countries.
Cen said fishermen reported suspected sightings of foreign fishing vessels about 40 nautical miles from Indonesia’s outermost islands in Natuna waters.
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Based on fishermen’s accounts, the presence of foreign vessels may have contributed to lower catches for local fishermen, who generally rely on traditional handline fishing methods.
Foreign vessels were believed to be using large-capacity nets and more advanced fishing technology, giving them an advantage over local operators, he said.
Cen said reports of suspected foreign fishing vessels often reached authorities too late because many fishermen lacked adequate communication equipment while at sea.
To address the issue, the Natuna administration and the commander of Fleet Command I’s Sea Combat Group, Rear Admiral Nurlan, plan to seek communication support for fishermen.
Reliable communication tools are needed so fishermen can immediately report findings to naval units or the nearest Navy post for prompt follow-up action, Cen said.
He said the issue remained a priority for the local government, which would continue coordinating with provincial and central authorities to protect fishermen and sustain fisheries productivity.
The administration will also coordinate with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries to review policies considered unsuitable for Natuna fishermen, he added.
HNSI Natuna official Aprizal welcomed the local government’s initiative in facilitating direct discussions between fishermen and relevant agencies.
The effort enabled fishermen to convey concerns directly to authorities, while the regent provided both support and a platform for dialogue aimed at finding practical solutions, Aprizal said.
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Translator: M.Nurman, Rahmad Nasution