Vice Chairman of the regional association of North Sumatra Nazli on Tuesday noted that several traditional fishermen from the districts of Langkat, Deli Serdang, Serdang Bedagai, and Batubara were arrested by the Malaysian maritime police on charges of illegal fishing.
Nazli expressed hope that the case would not recur.
"I have called on the Maritime Security Association, including the Navy, Water Police, and Marine and Fisheries Agency of North Sumatra, to provide guidance to traditional fishermen to avoid breaking the law," Nazli stated.
He remarked that the cases were not only a disgrace for the Indonesian government but also a burden on the fishermen`s families in North Sumatra.
The families have sought assistance from the local association in North Sumatra and the provincial government as well as the Indonesian Consulate General in Penang Island to secure the release of the fishermen arrested in Malaysia.
Nazli also urged the traditional fishermen to not catch fish near the border of Indonesia and Malaysia.
He added that the Marine Security Association is the party responsible for enforcing law in the maritime area and offering guidance to fishermen.
Reporter: Munawar Mandailing
Editor: Andi Abdussalam
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