Suspected Of Stealing Fish, 34 Acehnese Fishermen Arrested By Thai Authorities, DPR: Freeing Them

Vice Chairman of the House of Representatives azis Syamsuddin (Photo: ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Regional Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) Of Nusantara Fishing Port (PPN) Idi East Aceh District reported, as many as 34 fishermen from PPN Idi arrested by Thai authorities, Friday, April 9. The fishermen are suspected of stealing fish in the country's waters.

In response to the information, Vice Chairman of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPR RI) Azis Syamsuddin asked the Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI), Directorate of Protection of Indonesian Citizens and Indonesian Legal Entities to be more responsive to provide optimal legal assistance.

"Conduct diplomacy and political lobbying efforts to free the 34 fishermen from Aceh", Azis told reporters on Monday, April 12.

Golkar's politician urged the Indonesian Embassy in Thailand to conduct intensive communication with the White Elephant Country authorities to ensure the status and health condition of all captured crew members.

"The Indonesian Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the legal team can make diplomatic efforts for the release of the fishermen so that they can return to Indonesia," said Azis.

The former chairman of Commission III of the House of Representatives also urged the Ministry of Transportation, The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), and the Navy to remind all Indonesian fishing vessels and fishermen who have permission to sail fishing in Indonesian waters.

"Fishermen should be given warnings and counseling to understand the boundaries of the sea area between countries so as not to cause problems in fishing activities when sailing on the high seas", he said.