Strict port surveillance curbs smuggling attempts, but economic risks to local fisheries remain
Indonesia is intensifying its maritime enforcement as authorities confront persistent attempts to illegally import fishery products, highlighting the growing importance of port security in protecting national food systems and coastal livelihoods.
Air Routes Secure, Ports Become the Weak Point
Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, known as KKP, confirmed that no fishery product smuggling attempts have been detected through air routes. According to Halid K. Jusuf, Director of Fisheries Resources Supervision, airport and air terminal inspections remain extremely strict, making air transport an unattractive option for smugglers.
Smugglers Shift to Container Ports
With air routes tightly controlled, smugglers have increasingly turned to public container ports as entry points. Halid explained that ports such as Tanjung Priok in North Jakarta, Tanjung Perak in Surabaya, and Belawan in Medan have been targeted due to high cargo volumes and complex logistics chains.
Document Manipulation as a Key Tactic
Authorities identified document manipulation as one of the most common smuggling methods. In 2025 alone, KKP recorded hundreds of smuggling attempts, though only three were successful. Officials stressed that even when goods pass initial inspections, enforcement teams continue tracking shipments during distribution stages.
China Identified as Main Source
KKP data shows that most illegally imported fishery products originated from China. The seized goods were not limited to fish, but also included raw materials, feed, and fish medicine. In total, 30 containers of illegal fishery products were intercepted throughout 2025.
Economic Losses and Industry Impact
Halid estimated that fishery smuggling caused potential state losses of Rp9.3 billion, or approx. SGD 744,000, during 2025. Beyond financial damage, illegal imports risk suppressing local fish prices and undermining businesses that comply with regulations, threatening the sustainability of Indonesia’s domestic fisheries industry.
Sanctions First, Criminal Charges Last
The Head of the Maritime Resources Supervision Base, Sigit Bintoro, said KKP prioritizes administrative sanctions over criminal prosecution. These include fines and mandatory licensing compliance. However, he emphasized that criminal penalties remain an option if repeat violations continue and administrative measures fail to deter offenders.
Indonesia’s firm stance on fishery smuggling underscores its broader commitment to safeguarding maritime resources and fair trade. For regional partners like Singapore, which relies heavily on stable seafood supply chains, Indonesia’s enforcement efforts contribute to stronger food security, lawful trade, and long-term sustainability across Southeast Asia.
Sources: EN Tempo (2026) , EN Tempo 2 (2026)
Keywords: Fishery Smuggling, Maritime Enforcement, Illegal Imports, Indonesian Fisheries, Port Security
