REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BATAM -- Fishermen in Natuna, Riau Islands Province, have rejected a proposal to allow foreign parties to conduct fishing activities in the region.

"Certainly, we reject it. So far, even without permits, they have poached and destroyed everything as they have operated at will. Hence, what would happen if they are given permits?" Rodial Huda, a local fisherman, stated during a telephonic conversation with Antara here on Friday.

Granting a license to foreign parties to catch fish in the Natuna waters will affect the livelihood of traditional fishermen as foreign ships operate with sophisticated fishing equipment, he pointed out.

Rodial expressed concern that if the policy were to be imposed, several illegal fishing boats would operate under the umbrella of licensed ships to exploit Natuna's natural resources.

"Illegal fishing boats could operate under the umbrella of licensed ships and make patrolling difficult," he revealed.

"Let the Indonesian fishermen catch fish, and they can just buy the catch," he said, adding that there was no need for foreign parties to catch fish in Natuna's waters.

With regard to the coordinating minister for maritime affairs' idea to allow foreign operators to maximally exploit Natuna's potentials, Rodial said the current policy of the fisheries and marine resources minister is even more appropriate.

"(She has formulated a policy) to send fishermen from Java to Natuna (to fish in the Natuna waters). Hence, there is no need to involve foreign parties," he stated.

During the current handover of post on Thursday (July 28), Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Pandjaitan noted that the government could cooperate with either domestic or foreign private parties to manage the fisheries sector in Natuna.

"Later, it is possible for us to cooperate with any company. However, the fishery and shipbuilding industries must be set up at home. We will evaluate which will emerge as the best format," Luhut expained.

On a separate occasion, Luhut also hinted on the possibility of the government reviewing the Negative List of Investment in the fishery sector if the need arises.

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