Australia, Indonesia Conduct Joint Anti-illegal Fishing Operation Along Shared Maritime Border

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 Australian Border Force-led Maritime Border Command (MBC), the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, and the Indonesian Directorate General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance in the Arafura Sea between September 21 and 25, 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 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.

“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,” said Sonter.

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.