PERUBAHAN KEBIJAKAN PEMERINTAH INDONESIA DALAM MENGATASI ILLEGAL FISHING OLEH NELAYAN ASING STUDI KASUS: KEPULAUAN RIAU

Abstract

Illegal fishing is the activity of catching fish conducted unlawfully or in violation of regulations and legislation in the field of fisheries. This definition includes fishing activities carried out without permits, using forged permits, employing prohibited fishing gear, or catching fish species that are not permitted under the issued licenses. Illegal fishing also encompasses fishing by foreign vessels in waters beyond their jurisdiction without authorization from the competent state.
This study employs a qualitative research methodology with document analysis as the primary data collection technique, adopting the theoretical framework of foreign policy theory. The research analyzes various documents, including government reports, publications from international organizations, academic journals, news articles, and policy documents related to illegal fishing in the Riau Islands.
The findings indicate that the Indonesian government has faced criticism and protests both domestically and internationally regarding its policy of sinking illegal fishing vessels. As a result of this criticism, the government has shifted from the practice of sinking vessels to repurposing them by allocating the captured vessels to local fishermen, aiming to maximize benefits while minimizing environmental damage and preserving marine ecosystems. The policy to sink the vessels also incurs high operational costs, so it needs to be revised for budget efficiency
Keywords: illegal fishing, Sinking of vessels, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Natuna Islands.