GC Inaugurates New Marine Radar with the Government of Indonesia to Protect Derawan Archipelago
Indonesia just inaugurated its first marine radar with the Governments of East Kalimantan and Berau to protect the Derawan Archipelago, Indonesia’s most important and biodiverse Marine Protected Areas (MPA).
The Head of the East Kalimantan Provincial Marine and Fisheries Office (DKP), Mr. Irhan Hukmaidy, commented on the signing of the handover of the Marine Monitor (M2) radar supported by Global Conservation and ProtectedSeas:
Dr. Dadang Mujiono, GC Director of Indonesia (right) and Mr. Irhan Hukmaidy, the East Kalimantan Head of Fisheries, shake hands during the inauguration.
“On behalf of the East Kalimantan Provincial Government, we express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to Global Conservation and its trusted local NGO – Yayasan Laut Biru Kepulauan Derawan (YLBKD)—for their commitment and support in marine protection and the management of Marine Protected Areas in Berau, East Kalimantan, through the Marine Monitor (M2) System.”
The new Marine Monitor is the most powerful system available for 24/7 radar surveillance of the Derawan Archipelago up to 20 nautical miles. It enables Indonesian Fisheries patrols to directly target suspected illegal fishing vessels and better cover a large area with many islands, a 200-mile coastline, and hundreds of fishers from local communities and far away, such as Sulawesi, the Philippines, and Malaysia.
Supported by the Governor of East Kalimantan and the Government of Indonesia, the new Marine Monitor radar is situated at the Derawan Conservation Area Regional Technical Implementation Unit, East Kalimantan. The radar is installed on a 67-foot tower with dedicated power and security in the town of Tanjung Batu overlooking the many islands of the Derawan Archipelago, pristine coral reefs, and previously abundant fisheries facing illegal fishing using bombs and potassium cyanide.
Over the past two years, with the technical and financial support of Global Conservation, Derawan’s multi-agency enforcement teams have made nine arrests and secured four convictions. Two bomb fishermen were sentenced to more than a year in jail, and turtle poachers face even longer sentences.
One of the patrol boats floats in the beauty of Derwan—eager to keep it as awe-striking as it is a functional ecosystem.
Global Conservation implemented the Global Park Defense and Community Protection, including the SMART Patrolling system, fast boats, and inter-agency coordination to effectively patrol and interdict illegal fishing across 285,550 hectares (2,855 km²). After nearly a decade without enforcement or patrols, working with island communities to replace illegal fishing with new sustainable fish traps and lines, in cooperation with law enforcement authorities, there has been a noticeable decrease in unlawful fishing in key areas.
We celebrate the ceremonial handover of the Marine Monitor (M2) radar system from Global Conservation and its trusted local NGO – Yayasan Laut Biru Kepulauan Derawan (YLBKD), and ProtectedSeas to the East Kalimantan Provincial Government, whose operation will be overseen by the Provincial Marine and Fisheries Office.
The Marine Monitor (M2) system combines radar, cameras, and artificial intelligence to enhance surveillance efforts in conservation areas, especially marine protected areas. This system provides law enforcement officers with real-time information on vessel activities—allowing fisheries inspectors, the Marine Police, and the Indonesian Navy to work more efficiently and focus their efforts. In essence, random patrols are no longer needed; instead, increased, data-driven, targeted patrols are focused on high-threat ‘No Take’ zones during critical times, based on evidence of illegal fishing. Additionally, the radar operates 24/7, enabling the tracking of illegal activities at night.
Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of Global Conservation, said, “Across the world, we see marine ecosystems under tremendous pressure—illegal fishing, habitat loss, and climate impacts continue to threaten coastal communities and biodiversity. But when technology, science, and strong partnerships come together, we can reverse these damages.”
At the same time, Dr. Dadang Mujiono, GC Director of Indonesia, proclaimed, “The presence of the M2 system in East Kalimantan is not merely an effort to protect the Derawan Archipelago’s ecosystem from IUU fishing but also a testament to the central government’s concrete support for Global Conservation’s mission in Indonesia. This support is reflected in the fiscal incentive granted by the Ministry of Finance for the importation of the M2 system from the United States. Such progress would not have been possible without the strong collaboration and support of the East Kalimantan Provincial Marine and Fisheries Office, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, the Ministry of Finance, Yayasan Laut Biru Kepulauan Derawan, Global Conservation, and ProtectedSeas.”
The Derawan Archipelago is a global treasure, the jewel of Indonesia—a place of remarkable biodiversity, cultural history, and community resilience. Today, East Kalimantan takes a major step forward by adopting modern, world-class enforcement technology. This is conservation guided by science, technology, and strong partnerships with multiple local communities across 14 islands and coastal towns and villages.
Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of Global Conservation and Irhan Hukmaidy of East Kalimantan Provincial Marine and Fisheries destroy an air compressor used by illegal cyanide fishermen.
From left to right: Jeff Morgan, GC Board Member Michael Sutton, and Parker Howes.
Honorable Indonesian Delegates at the GC Inauguration included:
Head of the Provincial Marine and Fisheries Office of East Kalimantan
Mayor of Berau
Mayor of Tanjung Batu
Director of Conservation Ecosystem, Directorate General of Marine Management, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia
Director of Marine Spatial Planning Development, Directorate General of Marine Spatial Management, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia
Head of Regional Office, Directorate General of Customs of Kalimantan Region
Head of the Tarakan Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance Station (PSDKP)
Head of the Marine and Fisheries Office, Berau Regency
Director of East Kalimantan Marine Police
Head of the Derawan Island Police Station
Commander of the Tanjung Batu Naval Post
