BATAM, Kompas – Indonesian Military (TNI) does not doubt to sink foreign illegal fishing vessels in Indonesian waters. It is proven with the sinking of two Thailand fishing vessels in Anambas, Riau Islands on Sunday (12/28).
Indonesian Western Fleet Command Chief, Rear Admiral Widodo, said both vessels were detained when illegally fishing in Natuna Sea, Indonesia, several days ago. They were detained by KRI Sultan Hasanuddin and KRI Sutedi Senaputra separately.
“Court decided to sink the vessels,” he said.
On December 23rd 2014, Ranai State Court decided the sinking of both vessels. After the verdict of court covering Anambas and Natuna was issued, Indonesian Navy sank the vessels by bombs.
The sinking was initiated by deploying vessels from Tarempa berth in Anambas Regency to Tanjung Pedas in Siantan District, Anambas Regency.
MV Kour Son 77 having 70-GT capacity and six crews was sunk. The vessel was exploded at 09.22 A.M. within 10 minutes.
After that, Indonesian Navy blew up KM G. Chawat Chai 5. The 103-GT vessel having nine crews was sunk using the similar method with MV Kour Son. The explosion occurred at 10 A.M. The vessel has bigger size than MV Kour Son so it took longer time to sink.
Widodo stated TNI is ready to enforce law and to maintain Indonesian sovereignty at sea. If the instruction to sink vessels is issued and all requirements to sink vessels have been completed, TNI is ready for execution.
Law No. 46/2009 about Fishery mandated the goods obtained from or used in nautical crime can be looted by the country or destroyed based on court verdict.
Widodo asserted Indonesian Navy will not loosen its patrol after the sinking. Cakra Arnawa and Rakata Jata Operations are still conducted in violation-prone waters.
Previously reported (Kompas, 12/26), Defense and Security Minister, Ryamizard Ryacudu, admitted the sinking of illegal fishing vessels operated in Indonesian waters leaves dilemma. According to him, it is hampered by fuel.
“In one hand, the government is saving fuel. On the other hand, patrol and foreign illegal fishing vessel pursuit need sufficient fuel supply,” he said.
Maritime Coordinating Minister, Indroyono Soesilo, said only 30 percent of fuel need for illegal fishing vessel arrestment in Indonesian waters is fulfilled from the ideal amount. (Kompas, December 29th 2014)
