TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Kuching, Malaysia sent a letter requesting the release of eight Natuna fishermen arrested on Friday, April 19, 2024.

Indonesian Consul General in Kuching R Sigit Witjaksono said he had met with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) on Wednesday afternoon, April 24, 2024. APPM explained that the three Natuna fishing boats with 8 fishermen were arrested on April 19, 2024. Two days later, KJRI received the arrest notice from APPM.

"Why did it take two days to receive the official APPM letter? Because it took two days to bring the fishermen on land from the sea," said Sigit in a press conference via Zoom on Wednesday afternoon.

Upon receiving the arrest notice, KJRI in Kuching immediately requested a meeting with the Malaysian authorities. "Today (Wednesday) we met directly with APPM, we will not stay silent,” he said.

APPM explained that the fishermen were arrested for sailing in Malaysian waters, 20 kilometers away from the Malaysia-Indonesia border, Sigit said.

Apart from KJRI, he went on, Bakamla has also sent a letter requesting the release of the 8 fishermen.

Walhi Condemns Arrest of Natuna Fishermen

Walhi National Coastal and Marine Campaign Manager, Parid Ridwanuddin released a statement regarding the arrest. According to Parid, the Malaysian authorities must release the Natuna fishermen because they are small-scale fishermen who are the breadwinners of their families.

"We also urge the Indonesian government and its representatives in Malaysia to take reactive measures to release the eight fishermen in the shortest possible time," said Parid.

Sigit explained that the eight fishermen are scheduled for trial on May 4. "We will definitely provide legal assistance," said Parid.

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