Natuna Regent Cen Sui Lan personally received an audience with fishermen from Sedanau at the Regent’s Office on Tuesday (10/02). The meeting was also attended by representatives of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) of the Republic of Indonesia and the Head of the Natuna Regency Fisheries Office. The presence of central government representatives was expected to allow firsthand listening to the challenges faced by fishermen in the field.
During the open dialogue, the fishermen expressed their concerns over the continued presence of fishing vessels from outside Natuna holding provincial and central government permits that operate within traditional fishing grounds. This situation was considered highly disruptive to local fishermen who have relied on these fishing areas for generations as their primary source of livelihood.
In addition, the fishermen reported widespread damage and loss of fish aggregating devices (FADs/rumpon) owned by local fishermen. The damage is believed to have been caused by the activities of large-scale fishing vessels operating near traditional fishing zones without regard for community-owned fishing equipment.
Another issue highlighted was the ongoing operation of foreign fishing vessels within Natuna’s traditional fishing grounds. Fishermen stressed the need for tighter and more routine maritime surveillance, as the presence of foreign vessels further pressures fish stocks and threatens the sustainability of marine resources.
Responding to these concerns, Regent Cen Sui Lan reaffirmed her strong commitment to advocating for fishermen’s aspirations. She stated that she would immediately send an official letter and arrange a direct meeting with the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia to formally convey these issues to the central government.
The Regent also called for a review of Fisheries Management Area (WPPNRI) 711 and Ministerial Regulation No. 36 of 2023 concerning the placement of fishing gear and auxiliary fishing equipment within measured fishing zones and WPPNRI areas. According to her, these regulations must be aligned with real conditions on the ground to ensure they do not disadvantage small-scale fishermen.
Furthermore, the Regent expressed her support for fishermen’s proposal that vessels licensed by provincial or central authorities be required to conduct fishing activities beyond 30 nautical miles from traditional fishing grounds. She also emphasized the importance of imposing strict sanctions on vessels found to be in violation, in order to protect local fishermen and safeguard the sovereignty and sustainability of Natuna’s marine resources. (Prokopim/Patli)
RILIS PERS, Number : 0610/PRO_KOPIM/2025
