Aust, Indonesia to combat illegal fishing

Australia's Border Force is providing intelligence to help Indonesia's crackdown on illegal fishing.

Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce met Indonesia's Minister for Maritime Affairs Susi Pudjiastuti on Wednesday, agreeing to co-operate on tracking down foreign fishers that stray into the archipelago nation's vast waters.

"We are very happy with the work Australia is also doing with the Indonesians in making sure that we find out who is sneaking into other people's places and stealing their fish," Mr Joyce told reporters.

"All I can say is it's lucky that we caught them before Ibu Susi bombed them or burnt them."

Ms Susi is the highest profile minister in the cabinet of President Joko Widodo, spearheading the popular policy of seizing foreign vessels caught fishing illegally and blowing them up.

Australian Border Force was helping Indonesia, Mr Joyce said.

"Some of the issues that we are doing are with Border Force, and giving strong intelligence to track down illegal fishermen and protect the legal fishing rights of villages along the coast," he said.

"We will continue that co-operation."

Visiting Jakarta's landmark Istiqlal Mosque, Mr Joyce was asked by an Indonesian reporter his opinion on the best way to combat terrorism.

"If you were inclined that way you should talk to people, disclose what's in your heart," he said.

"I think in all religions, good guidance will say that God above us does not want you to hurt people."

The minister continues his Jakarta visit on Thursday, when he will meet his Indonesian counterpart for talks on live cattle imports.