Illegal fishing activities, particularly the use of fish bombs, continue to plague the waters of Central Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Recently, the Water Police Directorate of the Central Sulawesi Regional Police successfully uncovered three cases of destructive fishing within a span of two consecutive days. This alarming revelation was made by AKBP Sugeng Lestari, the Head of the Public Relations Sub-Division of the Central Sulawesi Regional Police, during a press conference held at the Water Police Directorate Headquarters in Wani, Donggala Regency, on Thursday, August 22, 2024.
According to AKBP Sugeng Lestari, „There have been 3 cases of destructive fishing uncovered by the Water Police Directorate of the Central Sulawesi Regional Police within two consecutive days.“ The first case occurred on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at 09:00 AM local time in Teluk Tomini Waters, Sejoli Village, Moutong Sub-District, Parigi Moutong Regency. The perpetrators, identified as I (41), D (37), and K (48), all residents of Torsiaji Village, Popayato Sub-District, Bualemo Regency, Gorontalo, were apprehended. Along with the perpetrators, the police also seized 15 bottles of explosives, 60 kilograms of fish, and other equipment.
The second case unfolded on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at 05:30 PM local time, 20 nautical miles off the coast of Jawi-Jawi Village, Bungku Selatan Sub-District, Morowali Regency. The perpetrator, identified as S (43) from Buton Village, Bungku Selatan Sub-District, Morowali Regency, was captured. The police confiscated 4 bottles of explosives, 5 kilograms of captured fish, and other equipment as evidence.
The third case took place on Monday, August 19, 2024, at 07:30 PM local time in the waters of Muara Pantai Village, Rata Sub-District, Toli Regency, Banggai. The perpetrator, identified as F (20) from Rata Village, Toli Sub-District, Banggai Regency, was apprehended. The police seized 8 fish bombs, 10 kilograms of captured fish, and other equipment as evidence.
AKBP Sugeng Lestari emphasized that these successful operations were made possible due to information provided by concerned citizens, which prompted the police to conduct investigations and apprehend the perpetrators of destructive fishing activities. Currently, the five suspects are being held at the Water Police Directorate Headquarters of the Central Sulawesi Regional Police for questioning. They are charged under Article 84 paragraph 1 in conjunction with Article 8 paragraph 1 of Law Number 45 of 2009 concerning fisheries, and Article 55 of the Indonesian Criminal Code, with a maximum penalty of 6 years in prison.
Furthermore, AKBP Sugeng Lestari highlighted that in the year 2024, the Water Police Directorate of the Central Sulawesi Regional Police has handled a total of 12 fisheries-related criminal cases, with 9 cases already resolved. This demonstrates the commitment of the Water Police Directorate of the Central Sulawesi Regional Police in addressing fisheries-related crimes.
In conclusion, AKBP Sugeng Lestari expressed gratitude for the public’s vigilance in reporting instances of fish bombing or destructive fishing activities, as these practices pose a serious threat to marine ecosystems. It is essential for the community to remain vigilant and report any illegal fishing activities to protect the marine environment.
