Indonesia probes detention of Riau fishermen in Malaysia

3 hours ago

Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Riau Islands provincial government is coordinating with the Indonesian Consulate General in Kuching to determine the whereabouts and condition of several local fishermen detained by Malaysian authorities, an official said.

Doli Boniara, head of the Riau Islands Border Management Agency, said local authorities were still verifying the exact number of fishermen being held in Malaysia.

“It is true that fishermen from the Riau Islands are currently being detained in Malaysia. We are still verifying the exact number,” Doli said on Sunday.

Preliminary information indicated that seven fishermen from the Riau Islands were detained by Malaysian authorities after allegedly entering Sarawak waters without authorization.

The fishermen were traveling in two separate groups that were detained at different times, according to the preliminary information.

Doli said provincial authorities were still gathering details on the circumstances surrounding the detentions, including when the fishermen were taken into custody.

Initial information suggested the fishermen’s boats had drifted into Sarawak waters after their anchors malfunctioned, leaving the vessels unable to maintain their position.

The provincial government would continue coordinating with the Indonesian Consulate General in Kuching and other relevant authorities to confirm the fishermen’s condition and prepare any assistance they might require.