BOGOR, West Java, Indonesia, Nov. 24 -- Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Monday ordered the navy to sink ships captured for stealing fish in the country's territory in a bid to stop illegal fishing in Indonesia's waters.

"The order is clear. I order to save the crew (first). (Then) sink their ships. It is a firm order. This gives a signal that we are serious in combating this (illegal fishing)," the president said at the botanical garden palace here.

Five Thai ships have been captured by the Indonesian Navy recently in waters of West Kalimatan for stealing fish.

The Indonesian government's new policy was made following reports of rampant illegal fishing in the country's waters that has led Indonesia suffering a huge economic loss.

The president unveiled that over 5,400 ships illegally exploit Indonesia's resources at sea every year including fish.

Indonesia is an archipelago country, with about 17,500 islands.