The All-Indonesian Fishermen’s Association (HNSI) of Riau Islands criticizes Singapore’s Maritime Police for allegedly intimidating Belakangpadang fishermen near Pulau Nipah.
The Chairman of the All-Indonesian Fishermen’s Association (HNSI) of Riau Islands, Distrawandi, has expressed strong disapproval of the actions by Singapore’s Maritime Police, who allegedly intimidated fishermen from Belakangpadang while they were fishing near Pulau Nipah. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, December 24, at around 1:00 PM WIB, involved Singapore patrol boats creating waves that destabilized Indonesian fishing vessels.
In a statement to ANTARA in Batam on Thursday, Distrawandi acknowledged the possibility that the fishermen may have crossed into Singapore’s territorial waters. However, he emphasized that the approach taken by Singapore’s Maritime Police was unacceptable and posed a significant threat to the safety of Indonesian fishermen.
One fisherman, Mahadir from Pulau Terong, was thrown into the sea due to the turbulent waves created by the patrol boat’s maneuvers. Fortunately, no one was injured, and all fishermen involved in the incident were reported safe following the encounter.
As a form of protest, HNSI Riau Islands plans to stage a demonstration at the Singapore Consulate in Batam on Friday. Distrawandi further stated that HNSI had submitted an official objection to the association’s central board (DPP HNSI) to escalate the matter to Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He urged Singapore’s Maritime Police to adopt a more diplomatic approach when dealing with border violations by traditional fishermen, many of whom are unaware of exact maritime boundaries. “If our fishermen were indeed at fault, they should have been informed properly, not intimidated,” Distrawandi said.
Source: ANTARA
