Indonesia detains three Malaysian fishing boats in Batam

Indonesian ambassador to Kuala Lumpur Herman Prayitno has confirmed the detention of three Malaysian-owned vessels for illegal fishing near Batam.

Herman told Malaysiakini marine authorities in Batam are currently holding the three vessels detained on March 3.

“Family members of those arrested have been informed and they will be charged in court. This is the normal procedure, same as in Malaysia,” said Herman.

This comes after Sungai Besar Umno division chief Jamal Yunos sent a memorandum to the Indonesian embassy over the fishermen’s detention.

Herman said the matter has been forwarded to the Indonesian foreign minister.

“We (the Indonesian embassy) also suggested for the memorandum to be forwarded to Wisma Putra so further action can be taken.

“They were also told to prepare lawyers for when the cases go to court,” he said.

Missing fisherman not confirmed

Asked about a Malaysian fisherman who had allegedly gone missing after his boat was detained, Herman said he is uncertain whether the man is under custody of Indonesian authorities.

"We have to check. His family members, however, can directly consult with Wisma Putra or contact the Malaysian embassy in Jakarta,” he added.

Indonesian media on Monday quoted Batam Fisheries and Marine Resources department chief Akhmadon saying that the three vessels - identified as KM SLFA 4625, KM KHF1917 and KM PKFB 1512 - were being detained along with 14 crew members.

From the 14 arrested, two are Malaysian citizens, while the rest comprise three Indonesians and nine from Myanmar.

Meanwhile, lawyer Imran Tamrin who had accompanied Jamal to the Indonesian Embassy told Malaysiakini that their main demands were for the three ships to be released.

The three ships, he said, belong to two fishermen from Sekinchan one from Pulau Ketam respectively.

“Based on information we received, the ships were detained on Malaysian waters. This is based on the ships’ last coordinates,” he claimed.

Aside from not having the necessary documents to fish in the area, it was also reported in local Indonesian media that the vessels were using banned fishing equipment.

Local authorities are also probing one vessel for suspected human trafficking of crew from Myanmar. -Mkini