Indonesia’s vast marine area and rich marine resources, including fisheries, are crucial for the nation’s economy and socioeconomic development. However, an imbalance between global fish demand and available resources, weak monitoring and law enforcement and a lack of patrol facilities and surveillance systems has resulted in increased illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Since 2007, PT SOG INDONESIA has helped combat IUU fishing in Indonesia with its vessel monitoring system (VMS), paired with ORBCOMM® satellite technology. In addition, PT SOG participates in the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) program, providing training and information to fishing vessel operators across Indonesia.
The Challenge
IUU fishing in Indonesia has been an ongoing problem that results in numerous negative impacts, including:
Economic losses for local fishermen and their communities
- Destruction to the long-term health of Indonesian fisheries
- National security risks due to untracked foreign fishing
- Food insecurity due to unreliable fishing yields
According to Sanny Jauwhannes, President Director of PT SOG, regulatory changes focused on addressing these challenges, though well intentioned, provide new roadblocks for fishing operations throughout Indonesia.
“The ability to track fishing vessels has become the primary way the KPP monitors the area they must patrol to ensure a sustainable ocean environment,” says Jauwhannes. “Under the latest regulations of the KKP program, all vessels under 30 gross tons (GT) are required to install a VMS transmitter. The vessel location monitoring plays a key role in supporting sustainable fishing and ensuring a steady fish supply. However, getting thousands of vessels to install the equipment isn’t easy. It requires education about the equipment, installation assistance and ongoing support on its use.”
“The ability to track fishing vessels has become the primary way the KPP monitors the area they must patrol to ensure a sustainable ocean environment,” says Jauwhannes.“
The Solution
PT SOG has been installing VMS technology on fishing fleets since 2007. The company has worked with ORBCOMM for many years to make affordable satellite-enabled VMS solutions available to fishing fleets in Indonesia. Adding the systems to larger fishing vessels is relatively straightforward, as they tend to have the necessary communications equipment already on board. However, because of the KKP program, smaller vessels—which often don’t have the equipment or the power source—need them as well. This can be difficult, as small vessel owners don’t typically have the technical knowledge or budget needed. PT SOG created its VMS with the needs of small vessel fleet operators in mind. PT SOG’s VMS solution uses ORBCOMM satellite services and terminals for wide network coverage and location data even in inclement weather. PT SOG’s customers can use the solution to set hourly transmission intervals, track vessel position and monitor vessel speed and heading from shore.
“PT SOG is the leader in VMS solutions installed aboard Indonesian fishing vessels under the KKP program. With around 2,300 active vessels and over 7,000 transmitters delivered since 2007, we are helping fishing fleets support a sustainable fishing environment for the future,” says Jauwhannes.
“In addition to the KKP program, we’ve also installed systems on landing craft tank vessels, ships and tugboats. By working with ORBCOMM, we’ve been able to provide cost-effective solutions that are customizable and easy to install and use. In addition to being compliant with regulations, fleet owners can now improve crew safety by monitoring their ships 24/7 with satellite connectivity.”
As more vessels deploy VMS, the near realtime data supports better decision-making and ongoing fisheries management. Tracking of vessels makes it easier to manage quotas and identify and monitor protected sensitive fishing areas.
The Results
“PT SOG helps fishing fleets, both independently and as part of the KKP program activities, by providing technical guidance on how to use, repair and maintain a VMS at various fishing ports across Indonesia. With thousands of systems online, the KKP and fishing fleet operators have already realized numerous benefits,” says Jauwhannes.
Using PT-SOG’s solution, vessel operators can now:
- Optimize their routes, resulting in reduced fuel consumption
- Improve their logistics to lower operating costs
- Integrate weather forecasts to avoid treacherous seas and keep their crews safe
- Provide proof of compliance with the new government regulations
- Provide proof of compliance with the new government regulations
- Help prevent piracy and other criminal activities
- Help prevent piracy and other criminal activities
“VMS solutions help support sustainable fishing practices, which benefit everyone, including fishing fleet operators, the Indonesian government and solution providers like us. Indonesia is viewed as a leader in global sustainability by supporting the Life Below Water goal from the United Nations Sustainable Development program. We are privileged and proud to be involved in supporting these important initiatives for the long-term health of our planet,” says Jauwhannes.
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