Papua New Guinea detained 8 Indonesian fishermen on March 25, 2023. The authorities suspected them of illegal fishing in PNG waters. The fishermen were in Daru’s town in the Western Province of PNG when authorities detained them.
When the case occurred, Foreign Affairs assisting the release 8 Indonesian fishermen detained in PNG.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for protecting the interests of Indonesian citizens abroad. That includes those who face legal issues in foreign countries.
As soon as they heard the news of the detention, the Ministry immediately sent people to assist them. In addition, the team is there to help and provide consular assistance to the detained fishermen. This is mainly because the fishermen usually don’t know they are trespassing into forbidden areas.
The team who got the task to help them also sought the PNG government’s assistance in releasing the detained fishermen.
Moreover, the Indonesian government emphasized the importance of resolving the issue peacefully and diplomatically. Not only do they have to negotiate with Papua New Guinea, but the team will also assist the family in ensuring their beloved ones’ safety.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also worked closely with the families of the detained fishermen. Hence, they provide them with updates on the situation. In addition, they do everything possible to secure the release of their loved ones.
Understandably, the family side of the fishermen are getting anxious about the condition. Especially since there is a possibility that people who got caught by authority from another country may not be able to come back.
Process of Detention Release
The release of the detained fishermen was a complex process. It required coordinating and cooperating with various government agencies in Indonesia and PNG. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs worked closely with the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and the Indonesian Navy. Both parties ensured necessary measures to secure the release of the detained fishermen.
The Indonesian government also tries to ask for assistance from international organizations. The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs contacted the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM)—also, other organizations to seek their help in resolving the issue.
Due to the restless effort from the Indonesian government, the detention release of eight fishermen was a big success. Hence, it is a significant achievement for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and government. It demonstrated the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and interests of its citizens abroad. Resolving issues peacefully and diplomatically is the way that the government opts for.
The Indonesian government recognizes the importance of cooperation and collaboration between countries, especially in addressing issues related to illegal fishing and other maritime crimes. Also, they commit to working with other countries in the region to strengthen maritime security. Thus, it will help to combat illegal fishing.
Silver Lining of The Detention Release
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintained good and intensive communication with the PNG authorities. It is because they believe only through diplomacy that they will understand the situation better. Eventually, both countries agree to share the same manner regarding maritime fishing.
Through this approach, we are hopeful that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is getting better at bridging the needs of Indonesian people abroad through diplomacy. This is an important assistance from a country that everyone abroad will need. Moreover, it gives more reassurance to the people who need protection from our country.
The release demonstrated the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and interests of its citizens abroad. Whatsoever, Foreign Affairs assisting the release 8 Indonesian fishermen detained in PNG also mean Indonesian fishermen should be more careful when it comes to fishing in an area they are not familiar with.
