Indonesian Navy Arrests Fishing Vessel From Taiwan In Aceh Waters

A fishing boat from Taiwan with crew at Krueng Geukueh Harbor, Dewantara District, North Aceh Regency / ANTARA

ACEH - The Indonesian Navy from the Republic of Indonesia Ship (KRI) Teuku Umar-385 captured a fishing vessel from Taiwan and secured 22 crew members in the waters of Lhokseumawe, Aceh, for entering Indonesian territory without a permit.

"The ship was arrested on Monday last week because it entered Indonesia's territorial territory with a position eight miles from the waters of Lhokseumawe, Aceh, without a permit," said KRI Commander Teuku Umar-385 Marine Lt. Col. (P) Faisal Yanova Tanjung in Lhokseumawe, Antara, Tuesday, 21 June.

The arrest of the foreign fishing vessel began when KRI Teuku Umar-385 was holding a cooperation exercise with Thailand under the Fleet Command I Marine Combat Group.

During the exercise, KRI Teuku Umar-385 detected a fishing vessel that did not fly the Indonesian national flag in the waters of Tanah Jambo Aye, North Aceh Regency.

According to Marine Lieutenant Colonel (F) Faisal Yanova Tanjung, this action violated international sea shipping law. Supposedly, every ship must install and fly the red and white flag when entering Indonesian waters.

"The foreign ship had run away. However, the ship was eventually caught after being chased. On the ship there was a captain and 22 crew members," said Marine Lt. Col. (F) Faisal Yanova Tanjung.

Then, KRI Teuku Umar-385 withdrew the foreign fishing vessel to Krueng Geukueh Port, North Aceh Regency, to be handed over to the Indonesian Navy Base (Lanal) Lhokseumawe.

Commander Lanal (Danlanal) Lhokseumawe Marine Colonel Dian Suryansyah said his party was investigating the alleged violator of the foreign ship.

"Now, the fishing boat from Taiwan is secured along with a captain and 22 crew members after a medical examination was carried out first," said Marine Colonel Dian Suryansyah.