It is strictly regulated.
Spearguns are legal in Indonesia only under strict licensing by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) and local police, primarily for commercial fishing. Recreational use is banned nationwide. Violations risk confiscation, fines up to IDR 500 million, or imprisonment under Law No. 45/2009 on Fisheries and Government Regulation No. 17/2021. Recent MMAF circulars (2023–2026) emphasize biometric registration of speargun owners in high-risk regions like Bali, Sulawesi, and Papua to curb illegal fishing.
Key Regulations for Spearguns in Indonesia
- Licensing Mandate: Only MMAF-issued permits allow speargun possession, with mandatory registration of serial numbers and owner biometrics. Unlicensed possession is a criminal offense under Article 89 of Law No. 45/2009.
- Commercial-Only Use: Recreational spearfishing is prohibited; spearguns may only be used for licensed commercial fishing activities, as per MMAF Decree No. 56/KEPMEN-KP/2020.
- Regional Restrictions: Certain marine protected areas (e.g., Raja Ampat, Komodo National Park) ban spearguns entirely. Violations trigger immediate confiscation and potential vessel detention under local conservation laws.