Fishermen In Konawe Threatened With 20 Years In Prison For Use Of Explosives

The suspect's fisherman used explosives in Konawe waters/ Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - The Law Enforcement Sub-Directorate (Gakkum) Team of the Water and Air Police (Dit Polairud) of the Southeast Sulawesi (Sultra) Police arrested a fisherman suspected of using explosives to catch fish in the waters of Bajo Indah Village, Soropia District, Konawe Regency.

Director of Polairud Polda Sultra Kombes Pol Faisal Napitupulu, quoting Antara, Sunday, September 8, said that the fisherman with the initials AN (43) was arrested on suspicion of being the maker and user of explosives to catch fish, on Thursday, September 5 and threatened with 20 years in prison.

"The perpetrator was arrested while the personnel were conducting routine patrols," said Faisal.

He mentioned that from the arrest, the team confiscated a number of evidences in the form of two glass bottles containing explosives, two dops, a piece of burning mosquito medicine, a net, and a jerry can where the fish bomb was.

"The perpetrator admitted that he had assembled the explosives himself at his house and planned to use it to catch fish in Sapa Jambe waters, Soropia District, Konawe Regency," he said.

Faisal revealed that in carrying out his actions, the perpetrator mixed materials that were easy to obtain and then put into glass bottles. Once assembled, the explosives are ready to be used to catch fish by blowing them in the water.

He said that for his actions, the perpetrator was charged with Article 1 paragraph 1 of the Emergency Law Number 12 of 1951 concerning Explosives with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

"Currently, the perpetrators and evidence have been secured at the Mako Dit Polairud Polda Sultra for further investigation," said Faisal.

Faisal also appreciated the performance of the Sub-Directorate Team of Gakkum Dit Polairud Polda Sultra which has succeeded in uncovering several cases related to the bombing of fish in the Southeast Sulawesi Province.

He added that the police will continue to take preventive measures and take action against all forms of criminal acts in the waters of Southeast Sulawesi.

"We hope that the arrest of these perpetrators can provide a deterrent effect for other actors and can preserve the marine ecosystem," added Faisal.