REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, GORONTALO -- Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti said that 700 foreign vessels still have licenses to operate in Indonesian waters.

However, the Marine Affairs and Fisheries ministry is still holding the ships and will be released after paying taxes based on the agreement between Indonesia and countries of origin of the ships.

"There used to be 1,300 permits for foreign ships, but it remained 700 ships. There should be no more illegal fishing," said Minister Pudjiastuti here on Saturday.

Previously in a cabinet meeting, Minister Pudjiastuti admitted to have succeeded persuading the government to include a ban on fishing by foreign vessels as well as investments in the fisheries field.

"Earlier, foreign investment in fishing is allowed up to 100 percent, which causes so many thieves. We can fish by ourselves if we need the fish," the minister said.

Susi assessed that Indonesia does not need foreign parties to fish for the local market.

Susi also said that neighboring countries can invest in Indonesia besides the fishery sector, in other sectors, but not to help the local fishermen catch fish.

"Are the Indonesian fishermen unable to catch the fish? It is funny if the local fishermen here need to import fish from neighboring countries," Pudjiastuti added.

The minister also revealed that recently the Indonesian Navy managed to detain a large number of foreign ships.

The Ministry is still awaiting orders from the Argentine government, whether to sink the ship or not.

Minister Pudjiastuti also asked the fishermen and Indonesian people to monitor their own waters, as well as to report to the authorities for any foreign ships fishing in their area.

"If anyone found something suspicious, people should report it to the Task Force 115, we'll coordinate with local authorities," Pudjiastuti added.

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