Indonesia Committed in Eradicating Illegal Fishing: Minister Susi
11 October 2016 17:42 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Maritime and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti emphasized Indonesia’s commitment to fighting illegal fishing.
“We won’t hesitate in eradicating illegal fishing,” Susi said in Yogyakarta on Monday, October 10, 2016.
According to Susi, government commitment to waging war against illegal fishing reflects the country’s concern over the law enforcement.
“Indonesia suffers huge state losses due to illegal fishing,” She added.
Prior to illegal fishing eradication endeavors, Indonesia’s sea product capacity stood at 2.5 million tons per year. The figure increased to 7.3 million tons per year in 2015 after the government enforced the endeavors.
Based on a study conducted by the Commission for the National Fishery, the potential of sea products in Indonesia is 9.9 million tons per year. Therefore, illegal fishing eradicating endeavors are expected to boost the figure by 25 percent.
“Environmentally irresponsible fishing tools will also be eradicated,” Susi revealed.
Susi hopes that the figure would jump to 15 million tons per year, just like prior to 2000s “before foreign ships with advanced technology entered [Indonesian waters].”
Susi added that illegal fishing is linked to other crimes, such as slavery. Through the 2nd International Symposium on Fisheries Crime, each participating country is expected to serve an active role in eradicating crimes at sea, particularly illegal fishing.
“I hope that an international regulation [on illegal fishing] will be finalized,” Susi said.
ODELIA SINAGA
