The Indonesian Embassy Helps Return 28 Indonesian Fishermen Detained In Papua New Guinea

The Indonesian Embassy in Port Moresby facilitated the process of repatriating 28 Indonesian fishermen who were crew members of the KMN Sanjaya 108 ship on Sunday (20/8) after being detained on suspicion of illegally catching fish in Papua New Guinea waters.

"The 28 fishermen were repatriated by direct flights from Port Moresby to Denpasar," said the Indonesian Embassy in Port Moresby in a written statement quoted by ANTARA, Monday, August 21.

"Given the strict application of the law for illegal fishing crimes and less like the detention facilities and correctional institutions in Papua New Guinea, I urge Indonesian fishermen not to carry out fishing activities without permission in Papua New Guinea waters," said Indonesian Ambassador to Papua New Guinea Andriana Supandi.

The KMN Sanjaya ship containing 150 tonnage (GT) received 49 tons of fish caught before being caught in Papua New Guinea waters on June 6, 2023 on suspicion of violating regional boundaries and illegally catching fish.

According to the Indonesian Embassy, this case is one of the largest cases of illegal fishing in Papua New Guinea.

As a result of the violation, all crew members had to undergo legal proceedings at PNG and were fined and subsidiary to prison terms.

The Indonesian Embassy in Port Moresby stated that it had handled the case of the KMN Sanjaya ship intensively since they received information on arrests, including providing assistance and translator service facilities during the legal process, providing logistical assistance in the form of food and medicines, to visiting them at correctional institutions.

The Indonesian Embassy said the ship's company was willing to pay a fine and finance the entire repatriation process so that the 28 Indonesian fishermen could be returned to Indonesia.

Upon arrival in Denpasar, Bali, the company will arrange the return of the 28 fishermen to their respective areas.

The Indonesian Embassy in Port Moresby and related ministries/agencies have stated that they are committed to increasing the understanding and awareness of Indonesian citizens and increasing the regulation and supervision of the activities of Indonesian fishermen on the borders of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.