Indonesia Works With Malaysia To Repatriate Detained Fishermen

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- Indonesia’s Coast Guard (Bakamla) is working closely with Malaysia’s Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) to secure the release of three Indonesian fishermen detained by Malaysian authorities for allegedly fishing illegally in Malaysian waters.

The fishermen were arrested on Saturday, approximately 49 nautical miles off the coast of Tanjung Payung, after entering Malaysian territorial waters.

“The three crew members, including the captain, are currently being held at the Miri Ship Detention Centre (PVT),” according to Bakamla’s Cooperation Directorate, Colonel Tatang in a statement.

He explained that territorial violations are common among Indonesian fishermen due to a lack of knowledge about maritime boundaries and poor navigation tools.

“With the strong ties between Bakamla RI and APMM, we are hopeful that this issue can be resolved swiftly, and the fishermen can be returned to Indonesia,” he added.

-- BERNAMA