Member of the East Nusa Tenggara regional parliament (DPRD) Yohanes Rumat condemned fishermen that employed blast fishing methods within the Komodo National Park, West Manggarai District.

“I am appalled by the blast fishing and condemned fishermen, who employed this destructive method inside the Komodo National Park area,” Rumat stated in Kupang, Wednesday, in response to the recent arrest of five fishermen suspected of blast fishing in the national park.

The fishermen, who originated from Bima, West Nusa Tenggara, were arrested by the maritime police in the Komodo Island sea on Saturday (Sept 25) under the blast fishing violation charge. Two boats were also confiscated by the police during the raid.

Rumat noted that the recent blast fishing case was not the first occurrence, as the police had investigated blast fishing cases and arrested its perpetrators in the past. A repeated blast fishing occurrence may instead expose the weakness on the law enforcer’s side, he remarked. “If this issue continues to occur, the law enforcer would have a bad impression in the public’s eyes. They may accuse the law enforcer is weak and be unable to hold the law violators at bay,” the legislator warned.

The National Awakening Party (PKB) politician reminded that the central government and regional authorities have spent a significant amount of budget to protect the national park, especially to protect the native Komodo reptiles.

He also pressed for the development of human resources to enhance the law enforcers’ ability to protect the national park and take action against law violators, especially against the fishermen, who used the blast fishing method.

“The national park also contributes significant income to the government. Hence, it is essential to protect the national park’s natural features and its sustainability for the future generations,” Rumat remarked.

Source: Antara News