TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - As many as 16 out of 25 fishermen from Sinjai district captured for illegally fishing in the waters of Australia have begun to return home to their villages. Meanwhile, the other nine fishermen are currently still facing charges of illegal fishing in Australia.
These 16 fishermen were released as part of a partnership program among the South Sulawesi provincial administration, Maritime and Fishery Ministry, and the Indonesian Consulate in Australia. Last Monday, 14 people returned home after two others were previously released on October 1.
Fisherman Abdul Muin said he was treated well by the Australian police during his incarceration down under. He and the other fishermen did not know the waters they breached belonged to Australia.
ARDIANSYAH RAZAK BAKRI