ASIATODAY.ID, BATAM – The Singapore Police Coast Guard (SPCG) has reportedly expelled and intimidated Indonesian fishermen who were fishing in the sea in Batam, Riau Islands.
As a result of the incident, the fishing boat sank. A fisherman was thrown into the sea due to the impact of the waves created by the SPCG ship.
The Indonesian Coast Guard (Bakamla) has now moved and carried out an investigation into the report by meeting fishermen from Terong Island, District Belakangpadang, Batam City, on Sunday, December 29 2024.
“This step was taken following the many reports received by the Bakamla contact center regarding dangerous actions carried out by SPCG ships,” said Bakamla Lieutenant Commander Ryan Widiono.
During the meeting, the Bakamla Team met with the fishermen who were accompanied by the Chairman of the Jemisan Terong Island Fishermen.
Based on information from Jemisan, Chief Fisherman of Terong Island, at the time of the incident the fishermen were fishing in an area which he claimed was still part of Indonesian waters, precisely at coordinates N 01,11,880 E, 103,37,500.
According to Jemisan, the SPCG ship accused the fishermen of crossing the water boundary and then forced the fishermen to leave by maneuvering to create large waves.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, December 24 2024. As a result of the SPCG ship’s actions, one of the fishermen was thrown into the sea due to the waves created by the Singapore ship’s maneuvers.
The fisherman who fell into the sea, named Mahade, was lucky to be rescued by other fishermen.
On this occasion, Jemisan expressed his hope that the government could provide outreach regarding the boundaries of waters permitted for fishing.
“If we do violate the limits, please be reprimanded in a good, non-harmful way,” hoped Jemisan.
Responding to this, Ryan Widiono said that Bakamla was committed to providing education to fishermen regarding territorial boundaries to prevent similar incidents from occurring for the comfort of sea users.
Senator Support
Indonesian Senator, Ria Saptarika supports the move by the Riau Islands Regional Border Management Agency to ask the Singaporean authorities for an explanation regarding the incident.
“I support this,” said Ria in her statement, Sunday, December 29 2024.
The senator from the Riau Islands electoral district, urged a transparent and thorough investigation from both parties (Indonesia and Singapore) to clarify the chronology of the incident experienced by the Indonesian fishermen in detail, such as the exact location of the incident, and the status of the waters based on the applicable border agreement. .
Then, identify the parties involved, both Indonesian fishermen and Singapore patrol officers, find out the motives for the Singapore patrol officers’ actions and the legal basis they used.
In addition, the Indonesian Government must ensure protection and security for Indonesian fishermen who earn a living in waters bordering neighboring countries.
This protection includes; First, clear socialization and education regarding water area boundaries and the rules that apply to fishermen.
Second, increasing coordination between related agencies, such as Bakamla, the Navy, and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries for monitoring and patrolling border areas.
Third, legal assistance and advocacy for fishermen who are victims of actions by other state officials.
Fourth, the Indonesian Government needs to take intensive diplomatic steps with the Singapore Government to resolve this problem peacefully and constructively.
According to him, this step is carried out through bilateral channels, such as meetings between relevant officials, or through mechanisms agreed upon by both countries, to ensure legal clarity and certainty for fishermen in border areas.
“I will continue to monitor developments in this case and encourage the government to take the necessary steps to protect Indonesian fishermen and maintain good relations with neighboring countries,” he said.
Ria also appealed to the public, especially fishermen, to remain calm and coordinate with the authorities if they experience a similar incident.
The former Deputy Mayor of Batam conveyed to the public that maintaining state sovereignty and protecting citizens is the main priority.
“Therefore, resolving this problem must be carried out firmly, but still prioritizing dialogue and diplomacy,” he stressed. (AT Network)
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