The Indonesian Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) has recently underscored its firm commitment to safeguarding its territorial waters by seizing two Malaysian-flagged vessels. These apprehensions, occurring in separate incidents, highlight Indonesia’s persistent efforts to combat illegal activities, ranging from unauthorized fishing to illicit sand dredging, which significantly impact its marine resources and sovereignty.
In late May and early June 2025, the Indonesian Ministry confirmed the seizure of two Malaysian fishing vessels in the Malacca Strait. These vessels were allegedly engaged in illegal fishing, operating without the necessary permits and utilizing banned trawling gear. The arrests underscore Indonesia’s vigorous enforcement against foreign vessels encroaching on its rich fishing grounds, vital for local livelihoods.
Prior to these fishing vessel incidents, in October 2024, the Indonesian Ministry also apprehended two other Malaysian-flagged vessels near Batam. These ships were suspected of illegal sand dredging, allegedly extracting vast quantities of sea sand without proper documentation, reportedly for reclamation purposes in Singapore. Such activities are a significant concern due to their environmental damage and resource depletion.
The actions by the Indonesian Ministry emphasize a robust stance against maritime violations. Director of Marine Resources and Fisheries Monitoring, Pung Nugroho, indicated that the fishing vessels’ crews, predominantly Indonesian nationals, may have entered Malaysia illegally and were enticed by high salaries to engage in unauthorized fishing within Indonesian waters. Investigations into both types of incidents are ongoing.
The seized vessels and their crew members are now undergoing legal processes under Indonesian law. These operations send a clear message that Indonesia will not tolerate illegal exploitation of its maritime territory, whether for fish or mineral resources. The government has been consistently assertive in its anti-illegal fishing campaigns, often taking decisive action against violators.
Indonesia’s efforts are also crucial in protecting its unique marine ecosystems, which are vulnerable to destructive practices like illegal trawling and uncontrolled sand dredging. Environmental advocates frequently call for even stronger enforcement to safeguard these vital natural assets from illicit activities.