Ilustration by AI
Indonesian Navy Study Shows Drone Integration Boosts Fight Against Illegal Fishing in Sulawesi Sea
A 2026 study by Bagus Setiawan, Rizal Musa Karim, and B. Yules Verne of the Indonesian Naval Command and Staff College (Seskoal), alongside Rudi Hartono Siregar of the Naval Technology College Bumimoro, reveals that deploying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from KRI Sigma Class warships significantly strengthens Indonesia’s maritime surveillance. Published in the International Journal of Integrative Sciences, the research highlights how drone integration improves detection of illegal fishing in the Sulawesi Sea—an area critical to national security and economic sustainability.
Strategic Waters Under Pressure
The Sulawesi Sea sits at the crossroads of international shipping lanes and national fishing grounds, making it one of Indonesia’s most valuable yet vulnerable maritime zones. Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing has long plagued the region, costing the country economically while threatening fish stocks and regional stability.
Illegal operators exploit vast ocean areas, weak surveillance coverage, and gaps in coordination between enforcement agencies. Many vessels operate at night, frequently change locations, and use small, hard-to-detect boats—making traditional patrol-based monitoring increasingly ineffective.
The Indonesian Navy, tasked with safeguarding these waters, relies heavily on KRI Sigma Class vessels. While equipped with radar and advanced combat systems, these ships face limitations in range, endurance, and the ability to monitor wide areas simultaneously.
Simple Approach, Comprehensive Data
The research team analyzed official Navy doctrines, operational reports, national policies, academic literature, and field experience. Using a qualitative descriptive method, they examined how UAVs can be integrated into naval operations.
A structured analysis, including SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats), helped identify both the advantages and limitations of drone deployment. The study focused on real-world operational conditions rather than simulations, making the findings highly relevant for policymakers and defense planners.
Key Findings: Drones Expand Reach and Efficiency
The study shows that UAVs dramatically improve maritime surveillance when deployed from KRI Sigma Class ships. Key findings include:
- Expanded Surveillance Range: UAVs extend observation beyond radar and visual limits, covering wider ocean areas.
- Real-Time Intelligence: लाइव video and imagery provide commanders with immediate situational awareness.
- Faster Decision-Making: Early detection allows quicker interception of suspicious vessels.
- Operational Efficiency: Ships no longer need to patrol entire مناطق, reducing fuel use and wear.
- Evidence Collection: Drone footage supports legal prosecution of illegal fishing activities.
“UAV integration changes the geometry of maritime surveillance by adding a vertical dimension,” the authors explain, noting that this shift allows naval forces to monitor more effectively with fewer resources.
Persistent Challenges Remain
Despite clear benefits, the study identifies several obstacles that limit UAV effectiveness:
- Technical Constraints: Limited flight endurance, sensor capacity, and vulnerability to harsh weather conditions.
- Environmental Factors: Strong winds, heavy rain, and high waves can disrupt drone operations.
- Human Resource Gaps: Skilled operators, analysts, and maintenance personnel are still limited.
- Regulatory Issues: Lack of clear legal frameworks for using drone data as evidence in law enforcement.
The researchers emphasize that UAV operations require more than just technology. “The success of UAV deployment depends on trained personnel, clear operational concepts, and strong regulatory support,” the team states.
Real-World Impact and Policy Implications
The findings have direct implications for Indonesia’s maritime security strategy. By integrating UAVs into naval operations, the Indonesian Navy can:
- Strengthen enforcement against illegal fishing
- Reduce operational costs and risks
- Improve coordination between surveillance systems
- Enhance protection of marine resources
For policymakers, the study highlights the need for:
- Standardized UAV platforms tailored for maritime use
- Improved communication systems for real-time data sharing
- Continuous training and certification programs
- Clear legal frameworks governing drone operations and evidence use
The research also offers broader lessons for other maritime nations facing similar challenges, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.
Expert Insight
Bagus Setiawan of the Indonesian Naval Command and Staff College explains that UAVs should be treated as a “force multiplier” rather than a standalone solution. According to Setiawan and his colleagues, integrating drones into layered surveillance systems—combining ships, aerial assets, and land-based monitoring—is essential for long-term effectiveness.
Author Profiles
- Bagus Setiawan – Naval officer and researcher, Indonesian Naval Command and Staff College (Seskoal); specializes in maritime security and defense strategy.
- Rizal Musa Karim – Defense analyst, Seskoal; expertise in naval operations and maritime policy.
- B. Yules Verne – Õ¼Õ¡Õ¦Õ´Õ¡Õ¯Õ¡Õ¶ strategy researcher, Seskoal; focuses on technology integration in naval warfare.
- Rudi Hartono Siregar – Naval engineer, Naval Technology College Bumimoro; specializes in maritime systems and defense technology.
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