Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Demands Investigation Of Shooting Of Indonesian Fishermen In Papua New Guinea

The fishing motor boat (KMN) Calvin 02, which was allegedly shot by PNG security forces, arrived in Merauke, Tuesday (22/8/2022). ANTARA/HO-Dok Merauke Police

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs demands a thorough investigation into the shooting incident of an Indonesian fisherman by Papua New Guinean security forces.

The request was made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when summoning the Ad Interim Charge d'Affaires of the Papua New Guinea Embassy in Jakarta on Wednesday, August 24, regarding the incident that killed the fisherman named Sugeng.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs asks the Papua New Guinea government for an explanation of this shooting incident and asks for a thorough investigation and strict punishment if found violations of procedures, including the possibility of excessive use of force", said the Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens and BHI of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Judha Nugraha was reported by ANTARA, Thursday, August 25.

To the Papua New Guinea government, Indonesia expressed its deepest regret over the shooting incident that occurred on August 22, 2022, against Sugeng, the captain of KMN Calvin 02.

In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also requested information regarding the detention of two other ships, namely KMN Arsila 77 with a crew of seven and KMN Baraka Paris with a crew of six by the Papua New Guinean authorities.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested that consular access be granted immediately to be able to meet the fishermen", said Judha.

“The Papua New Guinea Embassy confirmed that there were regular patrols at the time of the incident. Various requests from Indonesia will soon be conveyed to the relevant parties in Port Moresby", said Judha, referring to the capital city of Papua New Guinea.

The Indonesian Ambassador to Papua New Guinea Andriana Supandi has communicated with various Papua New Guinea government officials. The Indonesian Embassy in Port Moresby has also submitted an official diplomatic note to convey Indonesia's various concerns.

Previously, the Papua New Guinea army (PNGDF) allegedly shot a fishing boat from Merauke, Papua, which entered Papua New Guinea waters.

Based on the initial report received on August 22, it was revealed that three fishing boats were catching fish in Papua New Guinea waters—two were caught and one escaped.

While trying to escape, the boat was shot and hit by one of the fishermen named Sugeng.