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National scene: Decree to allow sinking of illegal fishing ships
Susi Pudjiastuti - JP/DONPresident Joko âJokowiâ Widodo has signed decree No
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Susi Pudjiastuti - JP/DON
President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo has signed decree No. 115/2015 establishing a powerful special unit (satgas) to combat illegal fishing.
Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti said on Wednesday that she would directly lead the unit with the Navy's deputy chief of staff functioning as chief of daily operations.
'The unit will have the authority to sink any foreign vessels caught fishing illegally in Indonesian territory without having to undergo prosecution in a court of law,' she said.
With a budget of Rp 1 trillion (US$73.5 million) for next year, the unit will also include the National Police and the Attorney General's Office (AGO) in the fight against illegal fishing.
'The unit will smoothen coordination among stakeholders involved in the fight against poachers. We don't want any illegal vessels buying their way out of punishment in a court of law,' said Susi.
Since Jokowi took office on Oct. 20 last year, dozens of vessels from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippine and China have been sunk for fishing illegally.
