Obtaining Forgiveness, Aceh Fishermen Released By Myanmar Authorities

BANDA ACEH - A fisherman who was also a crew member of the KM Bintang Jasa motorboat was released after obtaining a pardon from the Myanmar government.

East Aceh Regent Hasballah in East Aceh said a fisherman named Jamaluddin and dozens of other fishermen were arrested by Myanmar authorities on charges of illegal fishing on November 6, 2018.

"Forgiveness is given after the government through the Indonesian Embassy and the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs conduct diplomacy. Finally, the Government of Myanmar granted pardon to the East Aceh fisherman, ”Hasballah said as quoted by Antara, Wednesday, April 28.

Hasballah said the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon also established approaches with various relevant authorities in Myanmar to free the East Aceh fishermen.

In fact, said the Regent, the Indonesian Embassy also delivered a diplomatic note regarding the request for forgiveness ahead of the commemoration of major holidays in Myanmar. Usually forgiveness is given before the big holidays in that country.

"The Indonesian Embassy finally received information on the approval of Jamaluddin's forgiveness on April 15, 2021. The repatriation or repatriation was carried out in accordance with the provisions of Myanmar immigration," continued Hasballah.

The East Aceh fisherman who was detained for more than two years in Myanmar was finally repatriated via a commercial flight and arrived at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Banten, on April 26.

However, said the Regent, Jamaluddin could not immediately return to East Aceh. This is because the person concerned must undergo quarantine in Jakarta for five days.

After completing the quarantine process, later Jamaluddin will be handed over to the Aceh Government Liaison Office in Jakarta. Before being discharged, Jamaluddin underwent a COVID-19 test, ”said Hasballah.

Jamaluddin is the captain of the KM Bintang Jasa fishing boat. He and 15 crew members (ABK) were arrested by the Myanmar authorities on charges of theft.

Based on the ruling of the Myanmar court on February 28, 2019, Jamaluddin was sentenced to five years in prison and two years in prison for immigration violations in Myanmar. Jamaluddin was also sentenced to a fine of IDR 4.7 million.