REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BANDUNG -- Indonesian Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Susi Pudjiastuti said she was strongly opposed to the slavery of crew members of ships in the fishery sector in the country.

The minister also affirmed that she was committed to taking firm measures against companies found involved in the practice.

"Eradicating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing has been the focus of our government. Since becoming a minister, I have said that IUU fishing has been used as a means to commit other crimes, including the smuggling of narcotic drugs, human trafficking and slavery," she noted, in connection with her working visit to Pangandaran district in West Java, in a press statement from her office received by Antara here on Saturday.

If Indonesia could eradicate IUU fishing, it would contribute to the eradication of other crimes, as well, she pointed out.

"The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources will freeze the licenses of companies (involved in the crimes) and revoke them if violations of laws are proven," she emphasized.

Pudjiastuti added that her ministry would also coordinate with and ask other law enforcement agencies and government institutions concerned to help enforce the law and maintain the country's sovereignty over its sea territory.

"I hope the police and local governments will ensure the settlement of situations like the Benjina case. I express my appreciation to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, especially the Indonesian ambassador in Bangkok who specially monitored the development of the case in Thailand," she remarked.

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