Indonesian Fishermen Demand Explanation from Singapore over Alleged Harassment and Intimidation by Singapore Police Coast Guard
JAKARTA, CNN Indonesia — The Batam-based Indonesian fishermen from Belakang Padang are seeking an explanation from Singapore following an incident where they were allegedly harassed and intimidated by the Singapore Police Coast Guard while fishing near Pulau Nipa on Wednesday (25/12).
The Indonesian Fisheries Management Authority (BP2D) in the Riau Islands has contacted the Singapore Consulate General (Consul-General) for clarification regarding the unpleasant incident experienced by the Indonesian fishermen.
BP2D Kepri head Doli Boniara revealed that they have not received a response yet due to Singapore being in the midst of its Christmas holiday season. However, Doli immediately coordinated with the Singapore Consul-General in Batam, who then forwarded the issue to the relevant authorities in Singapore, as reported by Antara on Thursday (26/12).
The fishermen’s small traditional boats were reportedly harassed by Singapore Police Coast Guard speedboats, which created large waves that capsized some of the fishing vessels. A video purportedly showing the incident has gone viral on social media. In the video, it is seen that a fisherman was thrown into the water due to the impact of the waves caused by the Singapore patrol boat.
While some argue that Singapore’s law enforcement actions may be justified, considering the proximity to Singapore’s vital sea lanes, BP2D Kepri maintains that such maneuvers endanger the safety of Indonesian fishermen who are often using traditional boats.
Doli stated, "We are still clarifying [the incident] with the Singapore authorities. We have asked them what caused the Singapore Police Coast Guard to perform such a dangerous maneuver that resulted in our fishermen being hit by waves and one of them falling into the water."
BP2D Kepri also coordinated with the Maritime and Fisheries Department (DKP) to verify the fishermen’s condition and confirm whether they are indeed traditional fishermen. The Authority is committed to ensuring that the Indonesian fishermen are safe.
Pulau Nipa, or Pulau Nipah, is one of the Riau Islands and the outermost island of Indonesia, right on the border with Singapore’s territorial waters. It is home to crucial shipping lanes for Singapore’s bunkering and oil tanker industry.
(Source: CNN Indonesia / Antara)