Using Spoons, Five Men Catch Sailfin Catfish in Central Jakarta for Siomai

JAKARTA — Five men were arrested by the Sawah Besar District Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) while catching and processing sailfin catfish in the Kali Pasar Baru canal, Central Jakarta. They drew attention for their skilful method of gutting the fish using only spoons, amid government efforts to eradicate the spread of sailfin catfish, which is deemed a potential disruptor of the ecosystem and a health risk if consumed. The five men were apprehended while active in the Kali Pasar Baru, specifically in front of Posbloc. They are residents from Cikarang, Bekasi, suspected of being accustomed to catching and processing sailfin catfish. Darwis stated that the men demonstrated special skills in cleaning the sailfin catfish. According to him, the tip of the spoon was used to split the fish’s body from the mouth downwards, then the flesh was separated from the body sides using the same tool. “So indeed, they are very professional at gutting the fish just with a spoon,” said Darwis when met at his office on Saturday (25/4/2026). Besides their skills, the five men also brought complete equipment, from nets, gloves, plastic bags, to sacks. Darwis mentioned that they even changed gloves several times during the gutting process, indicating the activity was done systematically. “With the way they gut, they are indeed professional. And perhaps that is also their profession,” he said. “We secured five men who were working and selling sailfin catfish meat,” said Darwis, as reported by Antara on Saturday (25/4/2025). Darwis added that all the sailfin catfish successfully caught by the five men from Cikarang were immediately cleaned. The meat, eggs, and skin of the invasive fish were separated. The eggs of the sailfin catfish, said Darwis, were utilised as fishing bait. After being secured, all their catch was immediately confiscated by Satpol PP officers for destruction.