Indonesia To Take Strong Action Against Illegal Fishing Boats

Jakarta, Nov 18 (Antara) - Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has said his government will take the strongest possible action against foreign illegal fishing boats and will even sink them if needed. "I say do not nab the foreign fishing boats poaching Indonesian waters. If needed, sink them straightaway, but save their crews first. If we do that to some 20 boats, others will think twice before setting out for illegal fishing in Indonesian waters," the President said at the State Palace on Tuesday. Jokowi said he had been told that at least 5,500 boats indulged in illegal fishing in Indonesian waters and inflicted a loss of Rp300 trillion per year on the state. Earlier, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti said Indonesia was the only country in the world that allowed foreign boats to fish in its waters. "Only in our country can foreign boats carry out fishing," she said here on Friday. She pointed out, as an example, that Australia, in 2009, had formed a policy to close 70 percent of its coral barrier reef area. Such a policy was needed in Indonesia to preserve its fish stocks, according to the minister. The minister further said she had invited six ambassadors to discuss several issues related to poaching. She expressed regret that 30-GT boats paid only Rp60 to Rp70 million per year. "Something is wrong. Many boats in Indonesia are not registered and the registered boats do not register their products," she observed.