Illegal fishing targeted in joint Australian-Indonesian operation

Illegal fishing has been the focus of a joint Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Indonesian Armed Forces operation that concluded in Darwin today.

The third Australian-Indonesian coordinated maritime security patrol, AUSINDO CORPAT 2012, started in Kupang, West Timor on 16 April and was held in the waters between Australia and Indonesia from 19-27 April 2012 targeting the exploitation of natural resources, including illegal fishing.

The operation included aircraft, ships and headquarters staff from both nations in a synchronised task group. The ADF contributed an Armidale Class Patrol Boat, HMAS PIRIE and an AP-3C Orion aircraft. The Indonesian Armed Forces provided naval vessels KRI KAKAP and KRI TONGKOL and a CASA NC-212 aircraft.

The combined operation was conducted to improve coordinated maritime security along the Australian and Indonesian shared maritime boundaries in the vicinity of Ashmore Island, the Provisional Fisheries Surveillance Enforcement Line (PFSEL) and the Australian Indonesian Seabed Line (AISBL).

Air Commodore Ken Watson, Commander of the ADF Task Group, said the patrol had strengthened both Australia’s and Indonesia’s ability to detect and deter illegal fishing activity in the region.

“Combining the skills of our personnel at sea, on land and in the air helps to strengthen our ties and build the relationship which is vital to providing security at our maritime boundaries,” Air Commodore Watson said.

Commodore Arie Soedewo, Commandant Sea Combat Group, Eastern Fleet said the patrol provided an excellent opportunity for the exchange of ideas and skills development between the two nations.

“Our defence forces have once again made great progress in improving our maritime security procedures through developing our communications and information sharing techniques,” Commodore Arie Soedewo said.

“We look forward to undertaking this coordinated approach again.”

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