Polairud Arrests Two Men in Sikka After Seizing Hundreds of Fish Caught with Bombs
Two men with initials AB (48) and I (27) were arrested by the NTT Provincial Police’s Water and Air Police Directorate for involvement in bomb fishing in the waters of Haewuli Village, Alok Barat Subdistrict, Sikka Regency, NTT, on Tuesday (7/4/2026). AB is a resident of Kolisia Village, Magepanda Subdistrict, Sikka. Meanwhile, I is a resident of Kojagete Village, Alok Timur Subdistrict, Sikka.
“They were arrested for catching fish using explosives or homemade bombs in the waters of Haewuli Village,” said the Director of Polairud Polda NTT, Kombes Irwan Deffi Nasution, to detikBali on Tuesday (8/4/2026).
Irwan explained that the case was uncovered when personnel from the KP Pulau Sukur XXII-3007 were conducting a routine patrol from Wuring Harbour towards the coastal waters of Maumere. Around 08:00 WITA, police spotted a colourful motorboat occupied by AB and I anchored in the Haewuli waters.
During the inspection, the two claimed they were repairing a broken boat engine. However, this aroused suspicion among the police because no fishing gear such as nets or fishing rods was found on the boat.
Instead, police discovered several items suspected to be used for bomb fishing activities, namely a compressor, diving goggles, diving shoes, gloves, a lighter, cigarettes, a bucket, a plastic jar, and a bag.
Due to their suspicious behaviour, police immediately interrogated them separately. As a result, AB and I admitted to catching fish using homemade bombs.
Following the confession, police conducted a dive in the surrounding area and found 333 dead fish killed by bomb blasts. Subsequently, the hundreds of fish were secured as evidence.
In addition to the fish, police also seized the boat along with a Honda 5.5 PK engine, one compressor unit, a GAT brand compressor tank, a 50-metre hose, diving equipment, and several other items.
“In the operation, officers secured two fishermen along with hundreds of bomb-caught fish and several other pieces of evidence,” Irwan stated.
According to Irwan, the use of fish bombs not only violates the law but also damages the marine ecosystem and coral reefs. Moreover, its impact is significant for the future livelihood of fishermen.
“Therefore, we will not give any leeway to perpetrators of destructive fishing methods like this incident,” said Irwan.
Currently, AB and I have been secured at the Sikka Unit Headquarters of the Ditpolairud Polda NTT for further examination. Irwan urged the public, especially fishermen, not to use explosives or illegal methods in catching fish.
“We invite all coastal communities to protect the sea together. If you find bomb fishing activities, immediately report them to the authorities so they can be acted upon promptly,” Irwan concluded.