On May 19, 2024, Indonesia's Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) marked a pivotal moment in marine conservation with the capture of the illegal Russian fishing vessel Run Zheng 03 (RZ 03). This operation not only highlighted the ongoing fight against illegal fishing practices but also underscored the country's commitment to protecting its waters.
The capture of RZ 03, which had been operating undetected in the Arafura Sea, was part of a broader initiative led by KKP to combat illegal fishing, human trafficking, and oil smuggling. KKP’s Director General, Pung Nugroho Saksono, announced that this operation was the most significant achievement in marine law enforcement for the first half of 2024.
In addition to apprehending RZ 03, KKP also uncovered other illegal activities, including the transshipment operations involving Indonesian fishing vessel KM Mitra Usaha Semesta, which was implicated in transferring fish to the Russian vessels. The operation led to the arrest of individuals involved in human trafficking, highlighting the interconnectedness of illegal fishing and human rights violations.
Throughout the first semester of 2024, KKP conducted extensive surveillance, inspecting over 2,500 vessels and uncovering numerous violations. The successful enforcement efforts resulted in a trade surplus of USD 2.49 billion for Indonesia’s fisheries sector, a 6.2% increase from the previous year, demonstrating the effectiveness of improved governance in marine resource management.
These developments not only emphasize Indonesia's role as a net exporter of fish but also set a precedent for stricter enforcement of marine laws, which is vital for the sustainability of ocean ecosystems.