Riau Islands Governor Asks Malaysia To Release Detained Natuna Fishermen

Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad (ANTARA/HO-Natuna Regency Government.)

The Governor of the Riau Islands (Kepri) Ansar Ahmad asked the Malaysian state to release the traditional fishermen from Natuna who were detained in the country.

"If we wait for the legal process, it will take a long time, so we ask (to Malaysia) that discretion can be given through diplomacy," said Ansar in Natuna as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, May 8.

Ansar hopes that Malaysia will provide leniency in punishment for traditional fishermen entering Malaysian waters, because fishing gear used by fishermen does not have a damage to the water ecosystem.

"We hope that the Malaysian government will refuse installments, sometimes our small fishermen do not understand the catch area," he said.

Currently, the fishermen who were arrested are following the legal process in accordance with the rules from the Malaysian Government.

His party has sent a letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu) asking the central government to assist and monitor the legal processes of fishermen in Malaysia.

"We also continue to communicate with the Consul General regarding this matter," he added.

He emphasized that the Riau Islands Provincial Government will continue to strive to find the best way in dealing with cases currently being faced by fishermen and of course in accordance with the applicable authorities and regulations.

"We hope that the Malaysian government, such as Sarawak Cat, can provide understanding (leaving traditional fishermen entering Malaysian territory) and we will also continue to strive to provide guidance to our fishermen," he said.

Previously, three traditional fishing boats from Natuna Regency, Riau Islands (Kepri) were arrested in Malaysian waters.

Deputy Regent of Natuna Rodhial Huda said eight fishermen were on the three vessels arrested.

He said the vessels caught had a capacity below five Gross Tonnage (GT) and the fishing gear used was a fishing rod.

The fishermen were allegedly arrested by the Malaysian Maritime Power Strengthening Agency on April 18, 2024 while catching fish in Malaysian waters.

"They entered Malaysian territory," he said.