Jokowi Addresses TPPO Cases and Illegal Fishing at ASEAN-India Summit

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has raised concerns about maritime crimes, including piracy, human trafficking, narcotics, and illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing in front of ASEAN and Indian leaders.

President Jokowi opening the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta on Tuesday (5/9). Photo: BETWEEN PHOTOS/ZABUR KARURU

"Maritime crimes such as piracy, human trafficking, narcotics, and illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing must also be tackled," said Jokowi while opening the ASEAN-India Summit on Thursday (7/9).

Jokowi emphasized that the seas should be a platform for cooperation rather than a battleground. He also urged the leaders to maintain peace in the region.

"Respecting international law promotes a habitat of cooperation and builds an inclusive regional architecture," Jokowi stated.

He added, "This is the key to creating a region capable of becoming the epicenter of growth."

Maritime crimes, including human trafficking, continue to haunt ASEAN. These cases are prevalent in Southeast Asia and are on the rise each year.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi revealed that in the last three years, cases such as human trafficking through online scams have reached 1,841.

The victims are scattered throughout the region, including Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and the Philippines.

In May, this issue was also discussed during the ASEAN Summit and became one of the priority topics. ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn called on all Southeast Asian countries to thoroughly investigate these crimes.

ASEAN is urged not to act individually in addressing these cases.

Meanwhile, the issue of illegal fishing remains a challenge for ASEAN, with no resolution in sight. Despite various efforts, such as preventing the supply chain of illegal fish products, foreign fishing vessels continue to operate illegally in disputed areas.