Govt Sends 120 Pantura Fishers to Natuna Waters
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January 6, 2020 | 12:06 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The government planned to send as many as 120 fishers from the north coast area (Pantura) to North Natuna as an effort to counter China’s coast guard vessels and fishing boat trespassing the waters.
The fishers visited today, January 6, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD at the minister’s office.
“The area they [China’s vessels] trespass is rich in marine resources, various types of expensive fish are there, and that is the rights of Indonesia,” said Mahfud during his speech before fishermen.
Mahfud said Pantura fishers are sent to Natuna waters so that marine wealth could be benefitted by all citizens. He opined China’s vessels trespassed Indonesian territorial waters since there was a lack of activity of Indonesian fishers.
According to Mahfud, the dispatch was as instructed by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo who wanted the state presence in Natuna. The presence, he added, could be actualized in two forms, regular patrol and fishers' activities.
Mahfud MD further ensured the security for all citizens having activities there. “The state will guard your activities in Natuna waters,” said Mahfud to fishermen.
EGI ADYATAMA
