Indonesian fishermen accuse Singapore Marine Police of intimidation in border waters

INDONESIA: Several fishermen from Belakang Padang District, Batam, Riau Islands, were reportedly intimidated by a Singapore Marine Police patrol boat in the waters near Nipah Island on Tuesday (24 Dec). A video circulating online allegedly shows the patrol boat approaching fishing boats from Belakang Padang. The boat is suspected of creating large waves, which caused one fisherman, identified as Mahadir from Terong Island, to be thrown into the sea. The Chairman of the Indonesian Fishermen's Association of the Riau Islands, Distrawandi, condemned the actions of the Singapore Marine Police, calling them reckless and dangerous. “It could be that the fishermen violated the border area, but the methods and attitude of the Singapore Marine Police upset us,” he said last Thursday (26 Dec). According to Distrawandi, the manoeuvres of the patrol boat posed a significant threat to the safety of Indonesian fishermen, many of whom are unaware of the exact coordinates of maritime boundary points. “Fishermen should be informed appropriately if they violate maritime boundaries. As Indonesian citizens, no one will accept what the Singapore Marine Police did,” he added. The incident occurred around 1:00 pm local time while the fishermen were operating in border waters near Nipah Island and Singapore. The maritime boundary between Singapore and Indonesia around Nipah Island might be difficult to distinguish visually. The Singapore Marine Police allegedly performed sharp turns with their patrol boat, creating waves that destabilised the fishing boats. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and all fishermen returned safely. Following the incident, the Indonesian Fishermen's Association submitted a formal note of objection to its central body, requesting it be forwarded to Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs for diplomatic action. “We emphasise the need for humane treatment and a peaceful resolution to prevent similar incidents in the future,” Distrawandi stated.

Fishermen’s Association Meets Singapore Consulate Over Incident

On Friday (27 Dec), the Indonesian Fishermen's Association of the Riau Islands met with representatives of the Singapore Consulate General at their office in Panbil Residence, Batam. Initially, the association had planned to stage a demonstration but opted for dialogue instead. However, the association expressed disappointment with the outcome of the meeting. “There has been no decision from them. The reason is that the Batam office has limited authority,” said Distrawandi. During the closed-door meeting, which excluded the fishermen who were victims of the incident, the association submitted video evidence and detailed the chronology of the event. They urged Singaporean authorities to take responsibility and respond appropriately. The Indonesian Fishermen's Association criticised the actions of the Singapore Marine Police, describing them as arrogant. Distrawandi emphasised that even if Singapore has its own maritime rules, enforcement should be conducted humanely and without endangering lives. “Why is there a manoeuvre like that? If fishermen violate the boundary, will they not only be arrested but also killed?” Distrawandi questioned. Representatives from the Riau Islands Police and the Barelang Police also attended the meeting, supporting the association’s call for a diplomatic resolution to avoid escalating tensions. Distrawandi added that his organisation hopes the government will provide better education to fishermen about maritime boundaries to ensure they understand the limits within which they can operate in the border areas. “We ask the government to provide clearer guidance. Of course, there is cooperation between our government and Singapore. Perhaps some form of socialisation for traditional fishermen about the territorial boundaries in the waters of Batam and Singapore,” concluded Distrawandi. The Online Citizen has reached out to the Singapore Police Force and the Ministry of Home Affairs for their comments and will include their responses if and when they reply.