JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS- Indonesian maritime authorities have captured a Philippine-flagged fishing vessel operating illegally in the country’s territorial waters, officials confirmed Saturday.

The arrest comes as Indonesia intensifies its crackdown on illegal fishing operations that threaten the nation’s marine resources.

The Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry (KKP) detained the M/BCA CHRISTIAN JAME, a Philippine pump boat, on Friday near the Talaud Islands in the Sulawesi Sea. The vessel was apprehended by the KKP’s patrol speedboat Napoleon 17 following a tip-off from local fishermen.

Authorities discovered the boat was operating without Indonesian fishing permits and had caught tuna using handline gear. Three Filipino crew members were detained for questioning.

“This vessel had no documentation to fish in Indonesian waters and was targeting high-value tuna species,” said Pung Nugroho Saksono, Director General of Marine and Fisheries Surveillance.

Martin Yermias Luhulima, head of the Tahuna monitoring station, said the operation was launched after fishermen reported foreign vessels encroaching in Fisheries Management Zone 716, which borders Philippine waters.

Maritime Affairs Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono reiterated Indonesia’s strict policy against illegal fishing, which undermines both conservation efforts and local livelihoods. The arrest aligns with Indonesia’s Blue Economy initiative to sustainably manage marine resources.

This latest seizure follows several recent crackdowns, including two vessels caught using illegal fishing gear earlier this year. Indonesia has stepped up patrols in contested waters to deter foreign fishing fleets.

The detained crew and vessel remain under investigation, with possible fines or legal action pending.(Uki Ruknuddin)

YouTube player