RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Amid the surging demand for animal protein during the holy month of Ramadan, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) is ensuring that surveillance across Indonesian waters remains airtight. Through the Directorate General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance (PSDKP), the government has officially launched "Operation Ketupat Lebaran" to crack down on illegal fishing.

In a press release at Jakarta on Thursday, 19 February 2026, Acting Secretary of the Director General of PSDKP, Saiful Umam, emphasized that fasting is no excuse for fisheries surveillance officers to lower their guard. On the contrary, patrol intensity is being ramped up to ensure local fishermen can operate at maximum capacity without interference from foreign vessels.

"Even during Ramadan and while fasting, our fisheries inspectors, patrol vessels, and command centers remain on high alert to ensure the sea is never left unguarded. We are monitoring 24/7 to ensure there is zero illegal fishing or fisheries violations at sea," Saiful stated.

The operation is strategically focused on border flashpoints prone to incursions by Illegal Foreign Fishing Vessels (KIA), including, The North Natuna Sea, North Sulawesi, and The Arafura Sea.

This tightening of security aims to protect national fish stocks from foreign theft during the domestic consumption peak. By intercepting illegal foreign vessels, the government hopes to provide local fishermen with a safer and more productive environment to maximize their catch.

Furthermore, the ministry surveillance fleet is enhancing its humanitarian role this Ramadan. "We want to ensure that our patrol ships are on standby, ready at a moment's notice to perform search and rescue (SAR) functions for our fishermen," he conveyed.

Beyond offshore enforcement, the PSDKP is also securing the logistics chain from production centers to consumers. This includes conducting spot checks (sidak) to ensure seafood products are free from formalin and other hazardous additives. Surveillance has also been heightened at import gateways and processing centers, particularly across Java and Sumatra.