Identities of 200 fishermen detained in Indonesian waters still 'vague' - Zahrain

Malaysian ambassador to Indonesia Datuk Seri Zahrain Mohamed Hashim said he has yet to receive official confirmation on the arrests of the fishermen, reportedly to be Malaysian fishermen.

“We don’t want to speculate as we have yet to confirm if the fishermen arrested are indeed Malaysians. If they are, the embassy will render assistance to handle this incident.”

“Up till now, we have not received official information,” Zahrain told Astro Awani.

Both countries, he added, have an understanding over territorial, maritime and fishery matters.

“We usually deport these fishermen if they are found trespassing, particularly those using boats under five tone. They are regarded as small-time fishermen and may have trespassed accidentally.”

Reuters on Wednesday reported that Indonesia detained 200 Malaysians found fishing illegally in its waters.

The move comes as newly-elected president Joko Widodo expressed a more assertive stance towards rampant illegal fishing in its waters which has caused a loss of US$24.7 billion (approximately RM92.1 billion) to the country annually.

The president, fondly known as Jokowi, said firm action was necessary to stem further losses.

“We have to look at is holistically. We understand Indonesia’s seriousness in cracking down illegal fishing,” said Zahrain, when asked to comment on the move.

“However, we also share the ocean. We, too, are involved in maritime matters, from the coast, right up to the sea,” he added.

Indonesian Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti said last week that her government would sign a memorandum of understanding to combat illegal fishing with ambassadors of neighboring countries, including Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia and China on December 13.

“The ambassadors have promised to help combat illegal fishing in Indonesia,” she told The Jakarta Post.

Zahrain welcomed the move and reassured diplomatic ties are not affected in this incident.

“This is an isolated case and will not affect our bilateral relationship. Our relationship is bigger than this fishing issue.”

“I trust that leaders from both countries will not allow an isolated case to affect the bilateral relationship.”