The Gorontalo Indonesian Navy Base has tightened security in the northern coastal territorial area of Gorontalo Province, to prevent illegal activities, including fish bombing activities carried out by irresponsible individuals.
"We, the Indonesian Navy, are very concerned about the threat of fish bombing. This activity is real, and it is true that this bombing is very damaging to the underwater ecosystem, especially the sustainability of coral reefs which have a very long growth period, so it is very important to protect them properly," said the Commander of the Indonesian Navy Base, Gorontalo, Lieutenant Colonel Hanny C Sukmana, in Gorontalo, Tuesday.
According to him, recently his party has received many reports from the public about fish bombing.
Even though the intensity has started to decrease, it still occurs frequently and is very disturbing
Therefore, they tightened security by holding intensive patrols as a manifestation of the Indonesian Navy's commitment to safeguarding existing waters.
"We prevent illegal activities by deploying personnel on daily patrols. This monitoring prioritizes a humane approach and educates people that continued fish bombing not only threatens the depletion of fish stocks but also severely damages coral reefs," he said.
Fish bombing also seriously threatens the sustainability of the regional tourism sector.
Considering that specifically in the Northern Region of Gorontalo Province, many foreign tourists visit for diving activities, such as those on Saronde Island and its surroundings.
"We've even received reports from tourists expressing fear of fish bombing. While diving, they suddenly hear the loud explosion of a fish bomb. If this situation isn't addressed immediately, tourists' fear of visiting this area will significantly impact visitor numbers," he said.
Therefore, it is very clear that fish bombing is very dangerous and threatens the sustainability of economic growth in several leading sectors.
"We, the Indonesian Navy, are committed to ensuring the security of Gorontalo's waters," he said.
This security is also intended to support the sustainability of the tourism sector, such as on Saronde Island, North Gorontalo, which has become a premium tourism location, with a fairly good level of foreign tourist visits.
