"Based on information from the Indonesian Consulate in Songkhla, five individuals will be released on August 27," said the Aceh Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Agency (DKP) Head Aliman.
The five fishermen to be released are crew members of the KM New Raver are Muhammad Fajar, Dedi Saputra, Safriadi, M. Mukhlis, and Maiyeddin.
Earlier, 18 fishermen from East Aceh were arrested by the Thai warship HTMS Longlom on May 19, near the Aceh–Thailand maritime border.
They were suspected of violating territorial boundaries and illegally fishing within Thailand’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), approximately 56 miles southwest of Phuket Island.
Aliman explained that the group comprised 12 crew members from the KM Jasa Cahaya Ikhlas boat, captained by Umar Johan, and six others from the KM New Raver boat, captained by Ridwan.
According to Aliman, all 18 fishermen were tried in the Phuket Provincial Court on July 9.
However, only five crew members from the KM New Raver have completed their sentences and are eligible for release on August 27.
"So far, only five have been released early; there is no further information from the local court regarding the remaining fishermen," he said.
Aliman added that the Aceh Government is coordinating with various parties to facilitate the immediate repatriation of the five fishermen upon their release.
"They will be repatriated aboard the KRI Songkhla, and the costs associated with their return are currently under discussion. The Aceh Administration is working to ensure their repatriation can proceed as soon as possible," Aliman said.
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Translator: Arie Novarina
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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