More ASEAN Fishing Boats Caught Illegally Operating in Indonesian Watres

Jakarta, (Antara) - The Indonesian sea security authorities has caught again fishing vessels flying the flags of other ASEAN countries for illegally operating in Indonesian waters.

Marine and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti told reporters here on Wednesday the sea security authorities caught three Malaysian fishing vessels off East Aceh on Tuesday.

The three boats all under Thai skippers, were escorted by the sea security patrol boat to Langsa, where they were moored for further investigation.

A patrol boat of the Marine and Fisheries Ministry has also detained two Vietnamese fishing boats at Tarempa, in the Riau Islands province after they were found illegally  operating in Indonesian waters.

Earlier this year the  patrol boats of the ministry detained a number of Malaysian fishing boats  - two on March 10, three on March 3  and one on February 26.

Minister Susi has said the government would strengthen bilateral  and multi lateral cooperation  in battling illegal fishing.

The cooperation with other countries is to seek agreement to declare illegal fishing as international crime.

Under the government President Joko Widodo, Indonesia has taken a tougher measure against illegal fishing.

A number of foreign fishing boats found illegally operating in Indonesia water have been exploded in the sea.(*)