Selayar Police Investigate Alleged Death Of Fisherman Due To Fish Bombing

PIXABAY ILLUSTRATION

The Selayar Islands Resort Police formed a special fact-finding team to investigate the death of Panji (26), a fisherman suspected of being a victim of a bomb explosion while looking for fish in the waters of Taka Gantarang, Selayar, South Sulawesi.

"A special team has been formed and personnel are already there, but there is no network (signal), so there is no latest information yet," said Head of the Selayar Polair Unit AKP Hendra Suryanto as reported by ANTARA, Monday, September 11.

He emphasized that the Timsus was still conducting an investigation to reveal the cause of the victim's death which was considered odd and allegedly hidden by residents in Talupa Island Village, Selayar, by burying the victim's body without being witnessed by local authorities.

"The team has sent an initial report that they have met local residents and the photos can be sent after crossing the island, then they can get a network. We are still waiting for the results of the investigation from the field," he said.

Separately, Selayar environmental care activist Ibrahim Muchtar expressed concern and paid attention to the incident, considering that there had been repeated casualties when fishermen were looking for fish at sea using explosives.

"This is not the first time an incident has happened, but it has often been repeated and claimed lives. So, it's sad if something like that (the victim was hit by a fish bomb) it is even considered a disgrace and it should not be exposed," he said.

As a youth figure in the Selayar Islands, Ibrahim hopes that the police can uncover the case because if it continues to be allowed, it will swallow the next victim. Moreover, how to catch such fish (use explosives or fish bombs) has violated the laws and regulations.

"This is very concerning, residents and their families are hiding the incident, especially since the allegations are buried secretly, allegedly without the proper funeral process. This is inhumane. But, regardless of the illegal fishing activities it is not true," said Ibrahim emphasizing.

He also hopes that this incident should be a lesson, especially for fishermen who still use explosives to look for fish.

In addition, it is hoped that law enforcement officials will immediately reveal the actual incident whether the victim's body was buried secretly or the impact of the fish bomb explosion has been destroyed.

Based on information previously obtained, the victim Panji (26) went to sea carrying his canoe from Talupa Island to Taka Gantarang Waters, Taka Bonerate District, Selayar, on Wednesday, September 6, 2023.

A few moments later at around 10:00 WITA there was a loud sound like an explosion that was heard by a witness named Aswar.

Other residents also heard explosions, but could not go to the source of the explosion because the sea conditions were receding and the ship could not float so it was delayed.

The victim's family, Haji Aco, after being interrogated, said that his son had not returned since 12.00 WITA for lunch and suspected that the victim of the fish bomb explosion was his son.

At around 15.30 WITA when the sea began to tide or rise, residents searched until 18.30 WITA. However, the victim has not been found, nor has the canoe so it was decided to continue the search tomorrow.

Later, from the information obtained, it is suspected that the victim Panji was buried secretly at night after the incident.