Javanese Fishermen’s Arrival in Natuna Poses New Risks

ANTARA/DISPEN KOARMABAR

The China Coast Guard 3303 crossed near KRI Imam Bonjol (383) while trying to catch the fishing boat Han Tan Cou 19038 that entered Indonesian waters in Natuna, Riau Islands, on Friday (17/6/2016). The Indonesian Navy captured the Chinese-flagged Han Tan Cou 19038 ship because it was detected that it was casting nets in Indonesian waters.

NATUNA, KOMPAS— Local fishermen in Natuna, Riau Islands, oppose the government’s plan to bring in hundreds of fishing boats and fishermen from Java’s northern coast to fish the local waters. The government is instead urged to focus on empowering local fishermen and unify maritime security as a single coast guard unit.

Representatives of fishing communities in seven districts of Natuna gathered in the regency capital of Ranai on Sunday (12/1/2020). They all agreed to demand that the government reconsider its plan to mobilize hundreds of fishing boats from Java’s northern coast, fearing that the move would lead to new conflicts.

Fishing community head Hendri of Sepempang subdistrict, East Bunguran district, said that the seine nets commonly used by northern Javanese fishermen were only effective in waters 20-50 meters deep. The Indonesian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the North Natuna Sea is more than 100 meters deep.

“Therefore, many of them will catch fish within 30 miles of the coast. This will lead to conflicts with the local traditional fishermen,” he said.

The majority of fishermen in Natuna rely on traditional fishing equipment like rods to catch reef fish and mackerel tuna. Natuna’s fishermen prefer to use traditional fishing techniques to conserve the fish population.

Instead of bringing fishermen from northern Java, Hendri said that the government should work with Natuna fishermen, such as by providing vessels that weigh 8-10 gross tons (GT). Such boats would meet local needs and fishing techniques.

KOMPAS/PANDU WIYOGA

Two fishermen check their catch in the onboard cooler on Sunday (12/1/2020) in East Bunguran district, Natuna, Riau Islands. Natuna’s fishermen expect the government to increase the coast guard fleet to guarantee their safety in the Exclusive Economic Zone in the North Natuna Sea.

“Supporting infrastructure like fuel kiosks and ice factories are also scarce. Every time Natuna fishermen prepare to go out to sea, they have to queue two or three days just to get fuel,” Hendri said.

Northern Javanese fishermen have responded positively to the Natuna fishermen’s aspirations. The head of the Indonesian Fishermen Association’s Tegal branch, Riswanto, said that he would be ready to comply with the government’s rules, including fishing zones, vessel type, fishing crew and fishing equipment, to avoid potential conflicts with local fishermen.

Riswanto said that fishing in the North Natuna Sea would ideally require boats larger than 100 GT. He also hoped that all types of fishing equipment, including seine nets, would be allowed in Natuna. He said that the seine nets could be used to fish in all seasons.

“Foreign fishermen in Natuna use modern fishing equipment, such as trawl nets. We cannot use traditional fishing equipment anymore,” said Riswanto.

Reckless

The executive director of the Center for Maritime Studies for Humanities (CMSH), Abdul Halim, said that the government seemed too reactionary in its plan to resolve disputes in the North Natuna Sea. A comprehensive fishery management plan should have preceded the efforts to control the marine region.

The Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry does not yet have a fishery management plan for Indonesian Fishery Management Region (WPP-NRI) 711, which comprises the Karimata Strait, the Natuna Sea and the South China Sea. The region has 767,127 tons in potential fishery resources.

KOMPAS/PANDU WIYOGA

A fisherman’s representative holds up a protest poster on Sunday (12/1/2020) in Natuna, Riau Islands, including a statement that opposes the government’s plan to allow fishing from the northern coast of Java to Natuna. Natuna’s fishermen hope that the government will not be reckless in resolving disputes in the North Natuna Sea and instead prioritize long-term solutions.

“Right now, the government is only thinking of mobilizing as many fishermen as possible without considering the consequences. Unclear fishery resource management plans and strategies will eventually lead to opposition from Natuna’s fishermen over the plan to bring in fishermen from Java’s northern coast,” said Abdul.

The government did not need to bring fishermen from other regions. What was more urgent is to add more coast guard units to ensure the local fishermen’s safety and security when fishing in the EEZ.

Senior Natuna fisherman Rodhial Huda said that the region had no shortage of fishermen. The government did not need to bring fishermen from other regions. What was more urgent is to add more coast guard units to ensure the local fishermen’s safety and security when fishing in the EEZ.

It is the time for the government to establish a coast guard agency with full authority over maritime security to facilitate firmer action against illegal fishing in the EEZ.

In Jakarta, Joint Area Defense Commander Vice Adm. Yudo Margono said that the North Natuna Sea was secure, and that all Chinese fishing vessels and coast guard boats had left the EEZ at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

“Field monitoring reports sent from naval ships and Boeing 737 aircraft at 2 p.m. said that the foreign vessels had left the EEZ. They are located 200-230 nautical miles from Ranai,” said Yudo.

Nevertheless, Indonesian Navy ships and aircraft would continue to patrol the area. Two Navy ships were still on patrol on Sunday evening while other vessels were refueling. (NDU/XTI/EDN)