Making North Natuna Sea Safe for Local Fishing Community

Indonesia should step up the protection of maritime sovereignty in the North Natuna Sea by overhauling all old fishing boats and using more Coast Guard patrols.

By Diana M, Indonesia correspondent, Maritime Fairtrade

Despite having existing measures in place to keep neighboring countries at bay from engaging in illegal fishing activities in the North Natuna Sea at the far southern end of the South China Sea which falls under Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone, a maritime expert has called for a more practical approach including using technology and intensive patrols.

Speaking at public seminar to discuss the future development on the North Natuna Sea attended by Maritime Fairtrade, Rodhial Huda, a maritime expert and community leader from Natuna, said the government has not fully explored the option of using technological advancement to support local fishermen.

Huda said the underdeveloped and rather traditional boats still employed by the fishermen have been hindering them from optimally harvesting the rich natural resources. Besides affecting their catch, this lack of new technology also has impacted their confidence in the face-to-face rivalry with foreign fishing vessels.

“The government’s measures on strengthening and securing border areas, including Natuna, must focus on empowerment, swapping the old vessels and fishing equipment for modern ones, as well as increasing the number of fishing vessels operating there,” Huda explained. “Vietnam, China, and Malaysia continue to improve their capacity in the fishing sector while we in Natuna still use outdated boats and old technology. Therefore, we are currently witnessing this disparity in ability to fish which put our fishermen in a difficult situation.”

Unity is important

In addition to unequal competition with the illegal foreign vessels, Huda also noted that fishermen in Natuna don’t always see eye to eye with their fellow fishermen from other…