Minister Susi Refuses to Alter Policies Despite Intense Protests
25 May 2015 16:10 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Marine and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti, underlined that she will not alter any of her policies in eradicating illegal fishing despite the protest expressed by fishing companies and businesses. "I will not change any rules," Susi said to tempo on Sunday, May 24, 2015.
The Minister's ban on the use of trawl to catch fish and the moratorium on the use of foreign ships, which was extended fur another six months, had agitated fishing companies.
Susi's policy not only affects Indonesian businesses. Recently, a Chinese government representative had visited the Minister to express the country's protest on the sinking of a Chinese ship.
In response to the protests, Minister Susi argued that she will not change her stance in eradicating illegal fishing. Susi confirmed that ships that are involved in illegal fishing will continue to be sunk. In addition, the Minister added that the moratorium extension was requested by the President. Susi argued that the ban and moratorium are needed to prevent Indonesian marine resources from being exploited by foreign parties.
Meanwhile, to deal with the protests delivered by fishing companies, Minister Susi had challenged the companies to prove the legality of their business and ships.
URSULA FLORENE SONIA