EDITOR'S NOTE: Click on the links to download stills of the patrol
Australia and Indonesia have wrapped up a four-day coordinated maritime patrol, sending a clear message to illegal foreign fishers (IFF) and other maritime offenders that illegal activity in our region will be detected and disrupted.
From 22 to 25 May 2026, Operation HORIZON WATCH brought together Australian and Indonesian aircraft, patrol vessels and officers from the ABF, AFMA and Indonesia's PSDKP in waters off Ashmore and Cartier Islands.
The eighth joint patrol targeted illegal fishing and other civil maritime threats, while improving coordination at sea and strengthening both countries' ability to detect and respond to illegal activity across their shared maritime border.
Commander Maritime Border Command, Rear Admiral Brett Sonter said Australia and Indonesia were standing together to protect their waters, fisheries and marine environments.
“Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing is a complex regional challenge that can only be combatted through a cooperative approach," Rear Admiral Sonter said.
Director General of PSDKP, Pung Nugroho Saksono (Ipunk), emphasised the strong partnership between PSDKP, ABF and AFMA in strengthening fisheries resources surveillance, in particular to deter and combat IUU fishing.
“PSDKP remains committed to enhancing collaboration with ABF and AFMA to promote sustainable and responsible fishing practices in the waters of both countries," Ipunk said.
AFMA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Wez Norris said AFMA works in close cooperation with ABF and Indonesian counterparts to uphold fisheries laws.
“These coordinated patrols demonstrate our shared responsibility to stop illegal fishing and reinforce our collective commitment to protecting marine environments and fisheries resources for future generations," Mr Norris said.
During Operation HORIZON WATCH, ABF and PSDKP crews intercepted four Indonesian fishing vessels. One vessel was found to be operating outside of approved permit conditions and was ordered to return to Kupang for further investigation by Indonesian authorities. Another vessel experienced engine failure and was subsequently towed to Kupang by PSDKP. Compliance checks on the remaining two vessels confirmed they were operating in accordance with permit requirements and no further action was taken.
The operation provided valuable opportunities for information exchange, skills sharing, and coordinated patrol planning, and strengthened the ability of Australian and Indonesian crews to operate side-by-side in demanding maritime conditions.
Joint maritime patrols remain an integral part of efforts to deter illegal fishing, protect marine resources and uphold maritime law.
Anyone with information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia's borders is urged to report to Border Watch.
Media contact: media@abf.gov.au
