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Indonesia repatriates 23 enslaved Myanmar crew
In this April 3 file photo, Burmese fishermen prepare to board a boat during a rescue operation in Benjina, Aru Islands, Indonesia
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span class="inline inline-center">In this April 3 file photo, Burmese fishermen prepare to board a boat during a rescue operation in Benjina, Aru Islands, Indonesia. (AP/Dita Alangkara)
The Indonesian government has repatriated 23 Myanmar citizens who were enslaved as crew on a Thai-owned fishing vessel, after the victims had settled their cases with fishing companies. The repatriation process started in December last year.
Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti said that of the total of 103 enslaved crew members, 73 have had their claims and salaries paid out by the fishing company, leaving 30 people still to undergo the process. Those waiting are currently taking shelter in Ambon, Maluku.
"In December, 23 Myanmar citizens were returned to their homeland, with the cooperation of the International Organization for Migration," Susi said in a press conference on Monday as quoted by kompas.com at the office of the anti-illegal fishing task force.
The next repatriation group, she continued, would leave on Jan. 12, with 14 people. The other 24 persons are yet to receive their certificates of identity from the Myanmar government, which is still running a citizenship verification process.
Details of crew members being repatriated:
1. Sumber Laut Utama and Maju Bersama Jaya: five out of 12 crew have been repatriated
2. S&T Mitra Mina Industri and Era Sistem Informasindo: 10 of 12 crew have received their salary and four have been repatriated.
3. Biota Indo Persada, Jaring Mas, Hadidgo, Thalindo Arumina Jaya and Tanggul Mina Nusantara: 51 of 79 crew have received their salary and 14 have been repatriated. (ags)(+)
