Kiara Seeking Repatriation Of Indonesian Fishermen Caught In Malaysia

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The People's Coalition for Fishery Justice (Kiara) Secretary General Abdul Halim has expressed hope that several Indonesian traditional fishermen caught by the Malaysian maritime police would be repatriated soon.

"Kiara has urged the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Maritime Security Agency to immediately provide the fishermen with legal assistance and undertake diplomatic efforts as much as possible," Halim remarked here on Monday.

According to the secretary general of Kiara, legal assistance and maximum diplomatic efforts are needed for the repatriation of Indonesian traditional fishermen who had been arrested in Malaysia.

Halim explained that the Malaysian maritime police had detained six traditional fishermen from Pangkalan Brandan in Langkat, North Sumatra, on March 10, 2016.

He pointed out that the six fishermen caught in Malaysia were Andika (28), Ijal (36), Danny (18), Chatty (35), Sasan (35), and the sixth whose identity was unknown.

"At the moment, the parents of Andika have gone to Malaysia due to a demand for ransom," he added.

Halim pointed out that the demand for ransom often surfacing during the law enforcement process was raised quickly, with the intent to intimidate.  

Earlier, in different cases, as many as six traditional fishermen from the village of Sei Blade, Sei Lepan, Langkat, North Sumatra, were arrested by the Malaysian maritime police in the waters of the Strait of Malacca. (WDY)