TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Indonesia to uphold strict rules in fishing business: Minister
Change Size
Fisherman and local citizens grouped under the 'National Movement of Indonesia Fisheries Society' rallied in front of the State Palace in Jakarta on April 6, urging the government to be more aware of the welfare of local fishermen. (ANTARA FOTO/Sigid Kurniawan)
M
aritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti has reiterated her support for Indonesia’s tough policy forbidding foreign companies from investing in the local fishing business, even in the era of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).
The fishing industry is included in the negative investment list, and the government will soon check the sources of investment received by business players in the industry to make sure that the rules are obeyed in the era of the AEC, Susi said.
"They [foreign investors] are allowed to operate in Indonesia but only in the management of fisheries. Let us, our fishermen, do the fishing itself," she said as quoted by Antara news agency in a dialogue with fishermen in Kupang on Sunday.
The government has supported foreign investment in management such as cold storage, fish-product manufacturing and other downstream maritime businesses by allowing 100 percent share ownership.
The strict measures on fishing, Susi said, were aimed at preserving biodiversity in Indonesia waters. She urged local fishermen to support the effort by avoiding the use of bombs, poisons and trawl-fishing.
"Our maritime and fisheries sector contributes 8.96 percent to the economy, while other sectors are only able to provide around 5.4 percent. Therefore, I expect fishermen to work together with related parties to prevent our waters from illegal fishing," Susi said. (ags)
