On 6 August 2026, the 15th MCS Sub-Regional (Arafura and Timor Seas) Group Meeting was convened in Jakarta, Indonesia, bringing together representatives from Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste. This annual meeting, held in person, strengthens cooperation and facilitates coordination between the participating countries to address IUU fishing issues within the Arafura and Timor Seas. The meeting was hosted by the Directorate General of Surveillance for Marine and Fisheries Resources (PSDKP), Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries.
Following opening remarks from the Secretary of PSDKP, each participating country presented their respective country reports, outlining their current IUU fishing challenges and focused on the key issues relevant to the Arafura and Timor Seas. These country presentations provided an opportunity for participants to exchange information, share developments, and discuss emerging IUU fishing trends that may require collaborative approaches between the participating countries.
During the meeting, the implementation and progress of this Group’s ‘2025 Key Issues and Action Plan’ is reviewed and updated. Participants discussed actions undertaken by each member country, providing feedback and input to support the assessment of progress against these agreed actions. This review is an important basis for determining efforts to address or eliminate a previously identified issue, and assess whether further regional cooperation is required.
Discussion throughout the meeting identified new, and ongoing, IUU fishing issues that can be addressed collaboratively through coordinated actions within the region. Building on the 2025 review, the participating countries developed the 2026/2027 Work Plan, establishing the template for continued joint efforts to target these IUU fishing challenges in the Arafura and Timor Seas.
Following the meeting, the delegates undertook a tour of the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries’ Command Center. This session provided a practical demonstration of Indonesia’s integrated approach to fisheries monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS), demonstrating Indonesia’s best practice in combating IUU fishing.
This meeting reaffirmed the importance of maintaining strong cooperation and exchange of information to manage complex and sometimes sensitive matters between participating members. The positive relationships developed from the meeting are expected to contribute to strengthened, and coordinated MCS efforts, and successful outcomes within the Arafura and Timor Seas.
