"The initiative to cooperate with China in fighting illegal fishing involving their fishermen is excellent, only there are things we need to make sure," Executive Director of the Center Abdul Halim said here on Tuesday.
Marine and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti said in the 85th General Session of Interpol in Nusa Dua, Bali, on November 2016, that she had met with the Chinese delegation to discuss illegal fishing .
The minister said she told the Chinese delegation most of the perpetrators of illegal fishing in Indonesian waters are Chinese fishermen.
The minister said the governments of the two countries had agreed to cooperate in ending illegal fishing in Indonesian waters.
"We hope we could cooperate with China," Susi was quoted as telling the Chinese delegation.
Abdul Halim said among the things to make certain in cooperation with China include the scope of the cooperation and the authority shared by both sides.
The two points are important considering that China had once violated diplomatic agreement over South China Sea dispute with a number of ASEAN countries, he said.
"Indonesia could reaffirm its stand to China on border line and fishery law independence in Indonesia that has to be respected by foriegn countries including China," he said.
He said he feared China would use its own interpretation of international maritime law for concession in exploiting fishery natural resources in Natuna Sea which borders on South China Sea.
He said Interpol as an international law enforcement agency should increase coordination with many countries to make certain that fishing industry is sustainable.
"What does it means is that we must be pro active and must not wait for request," he said.
He said the marine and fisheries ministry should focus not only on illegal fishing as there are many strategic aspects that need addressing in the maritime and fisheries sector.
Lawmaker from the Commission IV of the House of Representatives Bambang Haryo Soekartono said the Marine and Fisheries Ministry should also focus on development of fishermen, preservation of the ecosystem and improvement of infrastructure including fishing terminal and boats.
Bambang said the job of eradicating illegal fishing could be given to police and the navy.(*)
Pewarta: SupervisorEditor : Chandra Hamdani Noer
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