Australia and Indonesia have completed a coordinated maritime operation, strengthening regional cooperation to combat illegal foreign fishing and other threats along their shared maritime border.
Now in its fifth year, Operation JAWLINE-ARAFURA brought together officers and assets from the ABF-led Maritime Border Command (MBC), AFMA and PSDKP in the Arafura Sea between 21 and 25 September 2026.
Over five days, officers conducted maritime surveillance, practised boarding procedures, participated in officer exchanges, and shared information used to detect and respond to suspicious activity at sea.
An Australian maritime patrol aircraft supported the operation, and representatives from Papua New Guinea's (PNG) National Fisheries Authority participated in a communications exercise.
Commander MBC Rear Admiral Brett Sonter said JAWLINE-ARAFURA demonstrated Australia was working with regional partners to disrupt illegal maritime activity and strengthen security across Australia's northern approaches.
"Protecting Australia's maritime border doesn't start at the coastline, it requires us to work with our neighbours and take coordinated action across our region," Rear Admiral Sonter said.
"Illegal fishers do not respect lines on a map. By sharing intelligence, coordinating our aircraft and patrol vessels, and putting Australian, Indonesian and PNG officers alongside one another, we make it much harder for those seeking to exploit our waters.
"Illegal foreign fishing is not just the theft of Australia's natural resources. The same maritime approaches can be exploited for other criminal activity, which is why maintaining a strong and persistent presence across our northern approaches is important."
Director General of PSDKP, Pung Nugroho Saksono (Ipunk) emphasised the vital importance of this coordinated patrol as a concrete implementation of the international cooperation between Indonesia and Australia in strengthening fisheries surveillance and safeguarding both marine ecosystems.
"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 Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Justin Bathurst said this coordinated operation is reflective of the continued engagement to address illegal fishing in the region.
"Australia, Indonesia and PNG have strong, established relationships on fisheries matters, and are collectively committed to stamping out illegal fishing in the Arafura and Timor Seas," Mr Bathurst said.
Operation JAWLINE-ARAFURA forms part of ongoing cooperation between Australia and Indonesia to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and strengthen maritime security across the region.
It is the second coordinated operation between Australia and Indonesian authorities this year, following Operation HORIZON WATCH in May 2026.
