Probe into Chinese crew runs aground on language barrier

M. Azis Tunny ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Tual, Southeast Maluku   |  Thu, 01/22/2009 1:48 PM  |  The Archipelago

A language barrier and a shortage of interpreters have impeded the Maluku Police's efforts to question crew members of eight Chinese fishing vessels impounded for illegally fishing in Indonesian waters early this year.

The police reported that 114 of the 249 crew members arrested in waters off Tual, Southeast Sulawesi, were Chinese.

"We have had difficulties communicating with them. Nearly half of them are Chinese citizens," Southeast Maluku Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Saiful Rahman told The Jakarta Post in Tual on Wednesday.

Rahman said there was a limited number of available interpreters to help the police interrogate the suspects.

"It's difficult to get interpreters to assist in the legal process. This has had an effect on the investigation because the suspects and witnesses are Chinese citizens," he said.

"We only have four interpreters for the entire investigation. They have other jobs so we cannot ask for their help at a moment's notice. Such a setback could delay the police's role in the legal handling of illegal fishing cases involving foreign fishermen in Southeast Maluku by up to four months," Rahman said.

The Maluku Police arrested hundreds of Chinese nationals on eight trawlers for alleged illegal fishing in Maluku waters early this year. The crews are being held by the police in their impounded trawlers at the Tual National Fishing Port. The arrested sea men are awaiting trial at the Tual Fisheries Court.

"We detained them on their respective vessels, which are guarded by 30 police officers, two on each boat, while the rest are securing the port. We have beefed up security because this case involves foreigners, and their numbers are not small," he said.

The police have immobilized the impounded vessels by removing vital equipment, including compasses and helm's wheels.

Four Korean trawlers seized last year are also still impounded at Tual port. The crew of the seized ships are charged with violating document and permit regulations and using illegal fishing equipment.

Also last year, police seized Thai trawlers fishing without permits in the Maluku and Arafura seas.

"We hope the court hands out the maximum sentence as a deterrent," Southeast Maluku Police chief of detectives I Nyoman Budi Artawan said.

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