The Indonesian Government Is Trying To Free Natuna Fishermen Arrested By Malaysia

Illustration of the Natuna fishing boat (ANTARA)

NATUNA - The government of the Republic of Indonesia is trying to free fishermen from Natuna Regency, Riau Islands who were detained by the Malaysian state.

Assistant II for the Economy of the Regional Secretariat of Natuna Basri Regency said the effort to release was to pay a fine after the decision was given by the Malaysian court for the violations committed by the fishermen. "We respect their decision (Malaysia), after the court's decision there may be a fine, the fine is sought to be paid so as not to be locked up," Basri was quoted as saying by ANTARA, Monday, May 27.

According to him, this is one of the efforts of the Natuna Regency Government (Pemkab) to help its people. "From local governments (budgets to pay fines) or efforts from local governments," he said.

He said he had visited Malaysia and the Natuna Regency Government had coordinated with the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) and other authorities regarding this matter. From the information he received, the violations committed by the fishermen were in the light category. "They (the fishermen) are still being processed (by the Malaysian Government) and we respect the process, but earlier, we are trying to redeemed them," he said.

He explained that he could not provide an exact figure regarding the fines that would be imposed on fishermen because the Malaysian government had not yet decided the sentences for the fishermen. "Still in the process stage," he explained.

Basri emphasized that the Natuna Regency Government will provide the best service to its people. However, he continued, the community must be patient, because everything needs a process. "The government will continue to strive to find the best way without harming any party," he said.

He reminded fishermen to obey the applicable rules so that similar incidents do not happen again. "We must also not intervene in their (Malaysia) intervention," he said.

Previously, three traditional fishing boats from Natuna Regency, Riau Islands (Kepri) were arrested in Malaysian waters. Natuna Deputy Regent Rodhial Huda in Natuna, Monday said eight fishermen were on three of the arrested vessels. He said the vessels caught had a capacity of under five Gross tonnage (GT) and the fishing gear used were fishing gear.