Global Conservation Signs Deal to Support the Protection of the Derawan Archipelago Against Illegal Activities
By Dadang Mujiono
The signing of the MoU between the GC Director for Indonesia/the Chairman of YLBKD, Dr. Dadang Mujiono, and the Governor of East Kalimantan, Dr. Rudy Mas'ud, witnessed by the Executive Director of TNC Indonesia (YKAN), Dr. Herlina Hartanto.
From left to right: the Director of EK Marine Police, the Commander of Balikpapan Naval Base, the Governor of EK, the GC Director for Indonesia, the Executive Director of TNC Indonesia, the Chair of the EK Provincial House of Representatives, the Regional Secretary of EK, and the Director of Terrestrial of TNC Indonesia.
It is with great pleasure that Global Conservation—through our local agency in Indonesia, Yayasan Laut Biru Kepulauan Derawan (YLBKD)—has officially signed an agreement with the East Kalimantan (EK) Government. The MoU was signed by the GC Director for Indonesia, Dr. Dadang Mujiono, and the Governor of East Kalimantan, Dr. Rudy Mas’ud.
This agreement focuses on protection support, particularly the deployment of Global Park Defense from GC to the EK Government for conservation areas across the region, beginning with a pilot project in the Derawan Archipelago.
Dadang, the GC Director for Indonesia, together with the Commander of Naval Base XIII Tarakan, Rear Admiral Dr. Ferry Supriady, discussed potential collaboration between GC and the NAVY to protect Derawan from illegal activities.
Under the joint coordination of the EK Government and GC, the EK Department of Fisheries and Marine Affairs (DKP) will now lead the protection of this UNESCO-nominated heritage site—the Derawan Archipelago. DKP fisheries supervisors will work closely with Marine Police and Navy officers to safeguard Derawan from illegal activities.
We also emphasize the importance of strengthening the management of this critical marine protected area (MPA). GC—through its Director for Indonesia and team—is committed to fostering sustainable inter-agency coordination, maintaining ongoing dialogue and negotiation, and building trust among stakeholders. These efforts aim to create a supportive and accountable environment in which all parties are aligned in their mission to protect Derawan’s ecosystem from illegal activities.
The MoU signing ceremony received widespread media coverage across East Kalimantan and Indonesia. Senior officials, including the Director of East Kalimantan Marine Police and representatives of the Chief of Naval Staff, attended the ceremony. Several NGOs based in East Kalimantan, including TNC Indonesia (YKAN), also witnessed the event.
Dadang, together with the Director of East Kalimantan Marine Police, Commissioner of Police Pahala, discussed potential collaboration between the GC and the Marine Police to protect Derawan from illegal activities.
The MoU between GC and the EK Government outlines six key commitments:
Marine Monitor Donation: GC donates one Marine Monitor (M2) system to be deployed in Tanjung Batu. The EK Government will share operational costs on a 50:50 basis once it is activated. ProtectedSeas will assist with maintenance and troubleshooting as needed.
Customs Clearance: The EK Government, together with the EK Customs Office, will facilitate the issuance of a duty-free letter for the M2 upon its arrival in Indonesia.
M2 Tower Construction: GC funds the construction of a 20.4-meter M2 tower in Tanjung Batu. The EK Government will be responsible for its ongoing maintenance.
Command Centre Development: GC finances the development of a brand-new M2 Command Centre at DKP’s headquarters in Samarinda. The EK Government will cover its maintenance.
Patrol Boat Donation: GC donates a speedboat dedicated to conservation patrols across East Kalimantan. The EK Government will supply two 85-horsepower engines.
Patrol Fuel Support: GC supports fuel costs for regular and targeted patrols under a 50:50 cost-sharing scheme.
The brand-new East Kalimantan MPA Command Centre, located at the headquarters of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Affairs (DKP) in Samarinda, the capital city of East Kalimantan.
Since the drafting of this MoU began in late 2024, GC has already funded the construction of the M2 tower in Tanjung Batu, the Command Centre at DKP’s headquarters, and a patrol boat for DKP to monitor marine protected areas across East Kalimantan. GC has also co-funded with DKP for patrol operations under the 50:50 scheme.
The EK DKP Patrol boat (75% progress of development)
Between January 2025 and the first week of July 2025, GC’s field partner—the EK DKP—together with the EK Marine Police, has successfully apprehended four different types of illegal fishing operations. Two cases involved fish bombing, while the others used prohibited fishing nets.
The video shows a poacher being forced to release dead baby sharks back into the water. As is common practice for marine anti-poaching around the world, illegal catches are promptly returned to the water, dead or alive.
Fish bombers apprehended in the local marine police station near Derawan on May 30, 2025.
