Initially There Was A Seaglider Protest In Selayar, The Current South Sulawesi Governor Does Not Want To Accuse China Of Origin

MAKASSAR - An underwater drone called a seaglider in the Selayar Islands, South Sulawesi, is still being investigated. This Seaglider has the function of recording data used for research, industry and defense.

South Sulawesi Governor Nurdin Abdullah or familiarly called Prof. NA previously mentioned the strong protest related to the discovery of a seaglider in Selayar waters.

"I want to convey, initially it was found by fishermen, then handed over to the Navy," said Nurdin Abdullah as quoted from the statement from the South Sulawesi Provincial Government, Tuesday, January 5.

This Seaglider has been submitted to Lantamal VI Makassar for review and research. Prof. NA questioned the seaglider and those who placed on Selayar. Prof. NA explained that this type of seaglider can also be used for oceanographic research or science of the ocean or oceans.

"The question is, this is purely for research or certain purposes. We also do not know this. Second, who placed us also does not know, so we must not make any accusations. We wait until this study is completed," he said.

After being researched and compared, the seaglider in Selayar Sulsel waters is said to be similar to products from China.

"It has similarities with Chinese products, but we cannot accuse that this is what put China, we don't know yet. What is the research orientation and so on," said Prof. NA.

Now, Nurdin Abdullah emphasized that the related South Sulawesi Provincial Government has not sent a letter of protest to any party.

"No, how can we send a letter while we don't know who put it," said Nurdin Abdullah.

South Sulawesi Governor Nurdin Abdullah told reporters in Makassar earlier that he had lodged a protest with China via the embassy over the discovery of an underwater drone allegedly belonging to China. This underwater drone was found in the waters of the Selayar Islands, South Sulawesi.

Prof. NA said the South Sulawesi Provincial Government had coordinated with the related Danlantamal VI, the discovery of the UUV (unmanned underwater vehicle) or drone in the sea part of Selayar Regency, Sunday, December 20. This underwater drone was found by fishermen.

"Now we have complained about the diplomatic note to the Chinese embassy," said South Sulawesi Governor Nurdin Abdullah after attending a work meeting for the implementation of the 2021 budget and evaluation of 2020 activities at the South Sulawesi Governor's office, Jalan Urip Sumoharjo, Monday, December 4.

The discovery of the drone, which was strongly suspected of belonging to China, was emphasized by the Governor of South Sulawesi, Prof. Prof. NA suspected that the existence of drones in the waters of Selayar Sulsel is a spying activity so it should be watched out for.

"That's a spy. We have coordinated with Danlantamal, the Navy (regarding the drone discovery)," he said.

The discovery of underwater drones allegedly belonging to China was found by fishermen from Selayar Regency, South Sulawesi (Sulsel). This drone was found by fishermen who were looking for fish in Selayar waters. A fisherman named Saeruddin (60) at that time went out to go fishing on Sunday, December 20.

"I left the house around 14.00 WITA. Because in the afternoon I got the drone," said Saeruddin (60), told reporters, Monday, January 4.

The underwater drone, which is shaped like a missile, was found when Saeruddin was fishing by boat he was rowing in Selayar waters. The object weighs about 170 kilograms and is about 225 centimeters (cm) long.

"I use a rowing boat, looking for fish using a fishing line. What I saw first was that he had an antenna, I saw the antennae, the thing floated, I saw that," he continued.

He decided to bring the winged object to his house in Majapahit Village, Pasimarannu District, Selayar. After a week of storage, the object was evacuated to the Headquarters of the Pasimarannu Sub-District Military Command (Koramil) on Saturday, December 26. The TNI decided to transport the drone from Saeruddin's house.

"After that I gave him a ride, I tied the edge of the beach with a rope. I took it to the beach first then I called the residents to help me, lift it to the side of the house.

Being lifted to the side of the house, one Sunday beside the house, there was a TNI member from there who wanted to secure it, "said Saeruddin.