JAKARTA, April 25 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian police have arrested 101 people allegedly involved in destructive fishing, a practice that damages marine ecosystems and the environment, a police officer said on Friday.
The suspects were detained in 72 separate cases between Feb. 24 and March 24, according to Police Brigadier General Aidil Tabransyah, director of the National Police's Water and Air Unit.
"The cases were handled by marine police units at both national and regional levels. This operation is not just about law enforcement but also about protecting marine ecosystems," Tabransyah said during a press briefing in Jakarta.
The suspects allegedly used illegal methods, including fish bombs, banned fishing gear, chemicals, and electric shock devices. Authorities seized evidence such as detonators, ammonium nitrate, fishing boats, diving equipment, and illegally caught fish.
If convicted, those involved in fish bombing could face life imprisonment or 20 years in prison. Other destructive fishing violations carry a maximum 10-year sentence and fines of up to 10 billion rupiah (about 594,000 U.S. dollars). ■