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Project October 2, 2024

The Dark Side of the Natuna and Arafura Seas

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Indonesia is one of the countries with the largest fishery commodities in the world. Many of its catches are traded to Asia, Europe, and even the United States. However, there are allegedly nefarious practices committed by large companies behind that. They catch more than the quota given by the government and no sanctions have been imposed.

Satellite imagery shows the activities of hundreds of Indonesian, Hong Kong-, Australian-, and Chinese-flagged vessels fishing in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Papua New Guinea and the Arafura Sea. Meanwhile, in the Natuna Sea, Vietnamese-, Chinese-, and Thai-flagged vessels were seen reaping the benefits of illegal fishing.

One of the vessels detected operating in the Arafura Sea area is the Antesena 827 and Naga Mas Perkasa. Both vessels are allegedly owned by PT Pusaka Bejina Resource, a company whose license has been revoked by the government. However, the vessels are still catching fish and bringing them to a port managed by PT SIS, a company owned by Indonesian tycoon Tommy Winata.

Other companies illegally fishing in the Natuna and Arafura regions are PT Bandar Nelayan, PT Dua Putra Perkasa Pratama, and PT Insan Gemilang Pualam. All three are owned by well-known politicians.

Why are large companies arbitrarily fishing in the Arafura and Natuna seas? Why are unlicensed vessels allowed to fish in the Natuna and Arafura? Who benefits from illegal fishing?

Jaring.id and Tempo will cover this issue collaboratively.

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