REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BANDA ACEH -- The Indonesian government will continue to consistently sink foreign vessels found fishing illegally in Indonesian waters, a cabinet minister said.

"The government is committed to protecting its waters by firmly implementing regulations, including sinking the ships of foreign fish poachers," Indonesian Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti stated while meeting fishery school students, fishermen, local government officials and others here on Saturday (20/12).

To crack down on illegal foreign fishing, the government will increase the number of its naval patrol ships, as well as encourage the participation of civilians in the movement, the minister affirmed.

Besides protecting Indonesian waters from foreign poachers, Pudjiastuti also assured that she will impose firm regulations on locals who act indifferent towards the environment.

She asked fishermen of Aceh's Simeulue district, for example, to stop the practice of catching fish using potassium, dynamites and trawlers, which harm all sizes of fish (small and big ones).

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