Indonesia Transfers Seized Foreign Fishing Vessels to Local Government

Strengthening Local Fishing Communities

The Indonesian Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has officially transferred two foreign fishing vessels seized for illegal fishing to Deli Serdang Regency Government. The vessels, KM. SLFA 3763 (45.41 GT) and KM. PKFA 7541 (33.93 GT), were handed over at the Belawan Marine Resources Surveillance Station in North Sumatra on November 26, 2025.

Background of the Seized Vessels

The Malaysian-flagged vessels were caught by Indonesian authorities during separate operations: KM. SLFA 3763 was apprehended on June 14, 2023, by KP. HIU 16, while KM. PKFA 7541 was seized on August 17, 2023, by KP. HIU 01. The vessels are valued at Rp212.75 million and Rp281.78 million respectively.

'Tangkap-Manfaat' Policy Implementation

This transfer is part of KKP's 'tangkap-manfaat' (catch-benefit) policy, which marks a shift from the previous practice of destroying seized vessels. Pung Nugroho Saksono, Director General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance (PSDKP), emphasized that the policy aims to maximize the economic benefits for local fishermen.

Impact on Local Fishing Communities

Deli Serdang Regent Asri Ludin Tambunan expressed gratitude for the transfer, stating that the vessels would help empower local fishermen who previously struggled to afford such assets. The regency government has committed to maintaining and managing the vessels properly to ensure they benefit the local fishing community and support regional food security programs.

Legal Process and Asset Utilization

The vessels were seized following a thorough legal process, including investigation, prosecution, and court verdicts that had become legally binding. KKP ensured that the transfer was conducted selectively, considering the real needs and operational readiness of the recipients to maximize the vessels' utility.