Natuna Fishermen Out to Sea, Indonesian Navy Stands Guard

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Fishermen in Natuna Regency, Riau Archipelago said that they no longer hesitate to go out to sea because the Indonesian National Armed Forces has been standing by 24 hours to protect the Natuna waters from foreign ship activities.

"For now, thank God, the security in Natuna waters have been maximized by Indonesian ships, that is our hope for so long," said Chief of Ranai Fishermen Herman on Saturday, January 4, 2020.

Furthermore, Herman said that based on information he had received, currently the Natuna sea is clear of foreign fishermen after in the past few days, the area has been entered by dozens of foreign ships.

The improving condition has provided relief for local fishermen and has allowed them to resume fishing. The presence of foreign fishermen in Natuna sea have scared local fishermen because they often experience intervention.

"However, 99 percent of our fishermen still cannot sail, because of the bad weather. Probably by the end of the month, that is if the weather permits," Herman said.

Herman hoped that in the future, security in the Natuna sea can further be improved. He also hoped that the government can help local fishermen by providing telecommunication device such as long-range communication radio.

In addition, the government is also asked to open a special communication line with Indonesian warships to allow fishermen to contact them if foreign vessels were spotted to enter Indonesian territory.

"So the information can be relayed immediately to Indonesian warships and other supervisor. Because when our fishermen went out to sea, phone signals are uncreachable," Herman explained.

Nevertheless, Herman understand that the Indonesian navy has limited personnel and operational capability. Therefore, he requested the government to provide communication device.

ANTARA