The Deputy Regent of Tapanuli Tengah conducted an operation to intercept a vessel suspected of illegal trawling while it was actively fishing.

The vessel was operating near Kalimantung Island and Mursala, in the waters of Tapian Nauli Village, Tapian Nauli District, Tapanuli Tengah Regency, around 4:30 PM.

In a video circulating on social media, the Deputy Regent was seen boarding the suspected trawler. He then spoke with the crew and ordered the vessel to return to port.

«We forced the ship to return to the base for further inspection by the authorities,» the Deputy Regent stated in the video.

The Deputy Regent confirmed the interception of the illegal fishing activity by the suspected trawler on Sunday afternoon.

He reported that they encountered the vessel KM Laut Sugih VII (Number: 2077/SSd) operating and pulling nets in the waters around Kalimantung Island.

He immediately ordered the vessel to cease operations and retrieve its nets, as the area is designated for small-scale fishermen.

«We escorted the vessel back to the port, but it suddenly disappeared,» he said.

The Head of the Marine and Fisheries Office of Tapanuli Tengah also confirmed the operation conducted by the Deputy Regent.

He explained that the KM Laut Sugih VII, captained by Anselmus Penius Gulo along with 11 crew members, was fishing in an area reserved for small-scale fishermen near Kalimantung Island, Tapian Nauli Village.

«We have reported the incident to the Lampulo PSDKP Base and the Sibolga PSDKP Unit for further legal action,» he added.

The Head of the Sibolga PSDKP Unit confirmed receiving the report regarding the suspected illegal trawler.

He stated that the vessel’s captain and crew would soon be summoned for questioning to verify the alleged violations.

The vessel has not yet been secured, as it remains at sea. According to reports, the ship disappeared while being escorted back to port.

«However, we already have the vessel’s data and will proceed with legal measures,» he said.

Kalimantung Island

Kalimantung Island is a small, lesser-known island located in Indonesia, often recognized for its pristine beaches and rich marine biodiversity. Historically, it has been inhabited by local fishing communities and remains relatively untouched by large-scale tourism. The island’s name is derived from regional folklore, though detailed historical records about its early settlement are scarce.

Mursala

Mursala is a small island located off the western coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and lush tropical forests. Historically, it gained attention in the 1990s when it was mistakenly reported that the island was splitting due to tectonic activity, though this was later debunked. Today, Mursala is recognized for its natural beauty and is part of the larger Tapanuli Tengah region, attracting eco-tourists and researchers interested in its unique biodiversity.

Tapian Nauli Village

Tapian Nauli Village is a traditional Batak village located near Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Known for its cultural heritage, the village features traditional Batak houses, or *rumah adat*, and offers insights into the indigenous Batak way of life. Historically, it has been a center for Batak customs, music, and rituals, preserving the community’s ancestral traditions for generations.

Tapian Nauli District

The Tapian Nauli District is a region in North Sumatra, Indonesia, historically known for its natural beauty and cultural significance. It is home to the Batak people and features scenic landscapes, including Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world. The area also holds historical importance as part of the ancient Batak Kingdom and remains a center of Batak traditions and heritage.

Tapanuli Tengah Regency

Tapanuli Tengah Regency is a region located in North Sumatra, Indonesia, known for its coastal landscapes and cultural heritage. Historically, it was part of the Batak Kingdom and later became a significant area under Dutch colonial rule. Today, it is recognized for its traditional Batak culture, fishing industry, and attractions like the scenic Sibandang Island and the ancient Sisaondo Fortress.

KM Laut Sugih VII

«KM Laut Sugih VII» appears to be a vessel, possibly a traditional Indonesian ship or ferry, but there is limited publicly available information about its specific history or significance. If it follows the naming conventions of other Indonesian maritime vessels, it may be used for transportation or cultural purposes in coastal regions. Further details would require local maritime records or regional sources.

Lampulo PSDKP Base

The Lampulo PSDKP Base is a maritime security and fisheries monitoring station located in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Established to oversee and protect marine resources, it plays a key role in enforcing fishing regulations and preventing illegal activities in Indonesian waters. The base gained historical significance following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which heavily impacted the Lampulo area, though the station was later rebuilt to continue its operations.

Sibolga PSDKP Unit

The Sibolga PSDKP Unit (Pengawasan Sumber Daya Kelautan dan Perikanan) is a marine and fisheries resource monitoring and surveillance unit based in Sibolga, North Sumatra, Indonesia. It operates under Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, tasked with combating illegal fishing, enforcing maritime laws, and protecting marine resources in the region. Established to strengthen oversight in the strategic Malacca Strait area, the unit plays a key role in sustainable fisheries management and maritime security.