Indonesia’s integrated sea surveillance thwarts rampant illegal fishing in North Natuna Sea

Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has seized 62 illegal foreign vessels in the North Natuna Sea since 2020, saving the country from a projected loss of IDR 2.1 trillion.

147 Vessels Detained Since 2020

From 2020 to June 2025, Indonesia’s Directorate General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance (PSDKP), under the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), apprehended 147 fishing vessels operating illegally in the North Natuna Sea. Out of these, 62 were foreign vessels, while 85 were Indonesian-flagged ships found violating national fisheries regulations.

Director General Pung Nugroho Saksono, also known as Ipunk, revealed this during a press briefing on Sunday, June 29, 2025, in Jakarta. He credited vigilant local communities and fishermen for providing critical information that led to successful sea operations.

Community-Driven, Tech-Assisted Surveillance

According to Ipunk, community participation through the Kelompok Masyarakat Pengawas (Pokmaswas) has been vital in curbing illegal fishing near Indonesia’s northern maritime borders. Their tips prompted follow-up actions by marine surveillance teams, enabling quick responses in high-risk areas.

“This integrated community-based surveillance strategy has proven highly effective, especially in remote waters like the Natuna Sea,” he said. The government’s use of an Integrated Surveillance System further strengthened monitoring and enforcement.

Trillions Saved Through Enforcement

The cumulative impact of these interventions is significant. “By seizing these illegal vessels, we have prevented a potential state loss of IDR 2.1 trillion,” Ipunk stated. At the current exchange rate, this equates to approximately SGD 168 million. These figures underscore the economic importance of strict maritime law enforcement, particularly in resource-rich zones frequently targeted by illegal fishing fleets.

Despite this achievement, challenges persist. Only three of seven surveillance ships are currently capable of reaching the North Natuna Sea, limiting the scope of regular patrols.

Infrastructure Gaps Hinder Progress

Operational effectiveness is also hampered by infrastructure limitations. Key support facilities—such as docks, holding shelters for captured foreign crew members, and berthing areas for seized vessels—remain underdeveloped. These shortfalls reduce KKP’s capacity to process and store detained assets efficiently.

Ipunk has appealed to Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives for additional funding and support to upgrade patrol fleets and build necessary facilities in the region. “We need to strengthen our presence in the North Natuna Sea with better ships, systems, and supporting infrastructure,” he emphasized.

Satellites to Strengthen Marine Surveillance

In parallel, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono is leading efforts to expand satellite-based surveillance. The KKP’s Command Center currently utilizes satellite data to detect and respond to illegal activities in real time. This system is expected to enhance maritime oversight, especially in vulnerable fishing grounds like the Karimata Strait and North Natuna Sea.

The ministry plans to scale up its satellite capabilities to close surveillance gaps and provide faster alerts to enforcement units.

Indonesia’s aggressive crackdown on illegal fishing in the Natuna Sea has delivered measurable gains in marine resource protection and economic preservation. However, limited patrol reach and infrastructure gaps continue to challenge maritime security efforts. Bolstering community engagement, modern technology, and legislative support will be key to sustaining this progress. The issue remains particularly relevant for neighboring Singapore, whose shared maritime interests rely on the continued security and sustainability of regional waters.

Sources: Fakta Batam (2025) , Gerbang Kepri (2025)

Keywords: North Natuna Sea, Illegal Foreign Vessels, Marine Surveillance Indonesia, KKP Patrol Success, PSDKP Operations, Sea Border Protection