Sorong, Ekuatorial – Following current policy to sink illegal fishing vessels instructed by Minister of Marine and Fisheries, Susi Pudjiastuti, Sorong district court took up cases related to local and foreign boats.
“From January to April 2015, Sorong district court has handled six cases of allegedly illegal fishing caught in Raja Ampat water. One vessel, though, was arrested in 2014,” said Danang P. Miharjo, head of criminal unit of Sorong district court.
Furthermore, Miharjo said that Supreme Court issued a decision in March 15 related to destroying illegal fishing vessels without included weight of vessels.
“With this [Supreme Court] decision, only certain vessels can be destroyed,” said Miharjo.
Lukas Rumetna, Birds Head Portfolio TNC, said Raja Ampat conservation area was forbidden for all types of vessels. However, Rumetna said that the ban was excluded for local people living in the conservation area. Niken Proboretno
