Jakarta, June 5 -- Indonesia's fisheries ministry said it had taken action against 1,210 vessels involved in illegal fishing since 2021, preventing potential state losses worth Rp16.6 trillion, equivalent to about US$895 million.

Pung Nugroho, director general of marine and fisheries resources surveillance, said combating illegal fishing was crucial for protecting resources and strengthening maritime sovereignty.

"Illegal fishing is not merely fish theft but a real threat to future generations. We are committed to ensuring marine resources are managed independently and professionally," he said on Friday.

As a recent example, Nugroho cited the interception of an attempt to smuggle 1.2 metric tons of humphead wrasse to Hong Kong on May 2...