Indonesia seizes three vessels over illegal fishing

hartono · Apr 15, 2026

The Director General of Marine Resources and Fisheries Supervision (PSDKP) at the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), Pung Nugroho Saksono (center), at a press conference regarding the arrest of three foreign fishing vessels suspected of illegal fishing in Jakarta, Wednesday (April 15, 2026). (ANTARA/Aria Ananda/rst)

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry said it prevented potential state losses of Rp20.2 billion (US$1.1 million) after seizing three Malaysian-flagged vessels suspected of illegal fishing in the Strait of Malacca on April 10–11, 2026.

The ministry’s Director General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance (PSDKP) Pung Nugroho Saksono said the vessels were caught operating in Indonesian waters using prohibited trawl gear.

He said the arrests followed a two-day patrol by surveillance vessels Barracuda 01 and Hiu 01, which detected foreign fishing activity in the area.

“For two days, our Barracuda 01 and Hiu 01 vessels operated in the Strait of Malacca and detected three foreign vessels operating in our territory,” Saksono told a press conference on Wednesday.

The vessels were identified as PKFB 172, PKFB 1751 and PKFB 4790.

Two vessels were seized on April 10 and escorted to the Batam PSDKP base, while the third was intercepted the following day and taken to the Belawan PSDKP station for further investigation.

Saksono said PKFB 172 measured 64.46 gross tons (GT) and carried four Indonesian crew members, while PKFB 1751, at 62.73 GT, had five Indonesian crew. PKFB 4790, measuring 55.02 GT, carried four foreign crew members from Myanmar.

Captain Rusanto Mangopa of the Hiu 01 patrol vessel said the third vessel attempted to obstruct officers during pursuit by releasing its fishing net.

Saksono said authorities will intensify maritime surveillance in the area to curb illegal fishing that threatens state resources and marine sustainability.

From January to April 2026, the ministry processed 39 vessels for violations, including 36 Indonesian and three Malaysian vessels, with total estimated losses prevented reaching Rp69.9 billion (US$3.9 million).

He said the enforcement effort reflects Indonesia’s commitment to safeguarding its fisheries resources and sovereignty.

The ministry added that stricter monitoring and coordinated patrols will continue to deter foreign vessels from conducting illegal activities in Indonesian waters.

Translator: Aria Ananda, Resinta SulistiyandariEditor: Rahmad Nasution Copyright © ANTARA 2026