Deputy I for State Border Management of the National Border Management Agency (BNPP), Dr. Nurdin, stated that fishing activities in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) can reduce the practice of "illegal fishing" or fish theft by foreign fishing vessels (KIA) in the North Natuna Sea.
"Illegal KIA activities in the EEZ, especially in the North Natuna Sea, often take place and are like a cat-and-mouse game with Indonesian authorities. When we (the authorities) come, they leave the EEZ. But when we leave, they come back in," said Dr. Nurdin in Natuna, Tuesday.
According to him, this happened because of the vastness of Indonesian waters and the minimal activity of Indonesian ships in the region, both due to limited ships and free time or seas without patrols.
He added that foreign vessels operating in the region generally have better facilities and infrastructure, so they are able to face extreme conditions in the Natuna Sea.
"Our fishing boats have difficulty operating there because of the high waves," he said.
