Through Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Decree No. 79 of 2025, effective as of 3 December 2025, the Government has formally established the 2025–2029 National Action Plan (RAN) on the Prevention, Deterrence, and Elimination of IUU Fishing as a strategic instrument to advance food self-sufficiency, promote the blue economy, and ensure the sustainability of marine and fisheries resources. The Decree functions as a comprehensive and nationally binding framework, adaptive to evolving modus operandi and oriented toward measurable targets, while continuing the achievements of the previous action plan in accordance with the international standards outlined in the International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (IPOA-IUU Fishing 2001).(1) This designation is particularly crucial, given that Indonesia, as an archipelagic state, holds marine economic potential valued at approximately USD 1.33 trillion annually. However, this wealth remains persistently threatened by Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing practices, which undermine national sovereignty and cause significant economic losses.(2)
Operationally, law enforcement across Indonesia’s 6.4 million km² waters faces structural challenges, particularly overlapping authority among seven maritime enforcement agencies.(3) Illegal fishing remains prevalent, especially in high-risk areas such as the North Natuna Sea, involving sophisticated methods, including the use of destructive fishing gear (pair trawl), falsified licensing documents, and the disposal of evidence at sea by foreign vessels.(2) As a concrete measure, this Decree operationalizes the blue economy vision under the principle of “Ecology as the Commander,” positioning monitoring and law enforcement as the primary safeguards against IUU Fishing to ensure marine sustainability.(3)
Key Highlights
- Establishment of the National Action Plan (RAN) on IUU Fishing 2025–2029
The 2025–2029 RAN on IUU Fishing serves as an adaptive and comprehensive national reference to strengthen the prevention and eradication of illegal fishing activities across Indonesia’s jurisdictional waters. Its implementation is coordinated by the Director General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance (PSDKP) through collaboration across KKP units, relevant government agencies, and international institutions, by implementing eight key responsibility elements, including strengthening Indonesia’s role as a flag State, coastal State, and port State, as well as enhancing active participation in Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) to ensure sustainable fisheries governance in line with global standards.(1)
- Strengthening Law Enforcement through Administrative and Criminal Sanctions
This regulation reinforces law enforcement by combining administrative and criminal sanctions to create a deterrent effect and eliminate the economic gains of IUU Fishing.(1) Enforcement is carried out by Fisheries Civil Servant Investigators (PPNS), the Indonesian Navy, and the National Police.(4) including authority to address money laundering offenses derived from fisheries crimes, through the optimization of the Fisheries Crime Coordination Forum, the use of electronic data from the Fisheries Vessel Monitoring System (SPKP) as admissible evidence under the ITE Law, and special measures such as the sinking of foreign vessels based on sufficient preliminary evidence.(1)
- Technology-Based Surveillance Modernization and Community
To support sustainable fisheries management, Indonesia has implemented a technology-based Integrated Surveillance System (ISS), encompassing sea and air patrols, the use of the Fisheries Vessel Monitoring System (SPKP), and community-based monitoring groups.(1) Its implementation includes the mandatory installation of SPKP/VMS transmitters on fishing vessels, catch reporting through e-logbooks, and the transformation of community groups into “Smart POKMASWAS,” equipped with location-based reporting applications for early detection of violations, particularly in border areas.(3)
- Product Traceability System and International Market Measures
Indonesia applies a traceability system and market measures to prevent IUU Fishing products from entering the global supply chain and to meet import standards in key markets such as the European Union, the United States, and Japan. The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), together with fisheries businesses and CITES authorities, implements this through the strengthening of STELINA and the issuance of Catch Certificates (SHTI), supported by full supply chain digitalization, mandatory catch documentation, and strict monitoring of protected species distribution.(1)
References
1. Keputusan Menteri Kelautan dan Perikanan Republik Indonesia Nomor 79 Tahun 2025 tentang Rencana Aksi Nasional Pencegahan, Penanggulangan, dan Pemberantasan Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Tahun 2025–2029.
2. Mahfud FR, Indah PJ, Fitriono RA. Tinjauan Aliran Kritis Kriminologi terhadap IUU Fishing di Indonesia. Gema Keadilan. 2021 Oct 30;8(3):334–56. doi:10.14710/gk.2021.12642
3. Nurhakim R. Nelayan Terancam, Laut Terluka: Dampak IUU Fishing bagi Masyarakat dan Ekosistem. 2025. Available from: https://www.kkp.go.id/news/news-detail/nelayan-terancam-laut-terluka-dampak-iuu-fishing-bagi-masyarakat-dan-ekosistem-08ny.html
4. Ginanjar Y. Hambatan Harmonisasi Penegakan Hukum terhadap Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing di Wilayah Perairan Indonesia. JURNAL SYNTAX IMPERATIF: Jurnal Ilmu Sosial dan Pendidikan. 2025 May 22;6(2):123–7. doi:10.54543/syntaximperatif.v6i2.677
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