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Business group supports end to ship-sinking policy
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Three Malaysian-flagged vessels from Vietnam are parked near Bintan Island after they were arrested while fishing in Bintan waters in the Riau Islands on Oct.14, 2016. (JP/Fadli)
T
he Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) has expressed its support for Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan and Vice President Jusuf Kalla’s call to put an end to the illegal boat-sinking policy.
"There's should be a limit [for the boat-sinking policy]. Besides, it can contributes to sea pollution," said Kadin deputy chairman of fisheries and maritime,Yugi Prayanto, in a press conference on Wednesday.
Luhut previously said foreign fishing boats understood the country’s tough stance on illegal fishing. He called on the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry to instead focus on aquaculture to boost production and exports.
Read also: Susi insists on continuing her ship-sinking policy
The boat-sinking policy enforced by Minister Susi Pudjiastuti is based on Law No. 45/2009 on fisheries. The latest statement from the ministry said more than 300 vessels had been sunk.
Yugi also suggested that the government use the illegal ships for the benefit of local fisherman, whether for daily usage or allowing them to sell the parts for cash. "We can give the ships to local fisherman," he said.
The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) said fisheries exports in 2014 reached 1.3 million ton, dropping to 1.1 million in 2015 and further sliding to 1.07 million ton the following year.
Meanwhile, Susi insists on continuing to sink ships found guilty of operating illegally in Indonesian waters. (srs/bbn)
