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Bintan fishermen detained by Malaysia for illegal crossing, fishing

Malaysian authorities intercepted six fishermen from Bintan regency, Riau Islands, for allegedly crossing the border and fishing illegally on May 30.

Fadli (The Jakarta Post)
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Batam, Riau Islands
Mon, June 15, 2026 Published on Jun. 14, 2026 Published on 2026-06-14T17:05:40+07:00

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Officials from the Indonesian Consulate General in Johor Bahru verify the identities of six Indonesian fishermen detained by Malaysian authorities during a consular access session on June 5 at Mersing District Fishery Office in Mersing, Johor state, Malaysia. The fishermen were detained on May 30 for allegedly crossing the border and fishing illegally. Officials from the Indonesian Consulate General in Johor Bahru verify the identities of six Indonesian fishermen detained by Malaysian authorities during a consular access session on June 5 at Mersing District Fishery Office in Mersing, Johor state, Malaysia. The fishermen were detained on May 30 for allegedly crossing the border and fishing illegally. (Courtesy of Indonesian Consulate General in Johor Bahru/-)

T

he Indonesian Consulate General in Johor Bahru has secured consular access to six fishermen from Bintan regency, Riau Islands, who were detained by Malaysian authorities for allegedly crossing the border and fishing illegally.

Malaysian Marine Police (PPM) Region 2 intercepted fishing vessels KM Hai Yang 3 and KM Baruna Jaya around Aur Island, Johor, on May 30. The fishermen, who are from Mapur Island in Bintan regency, were just returning from fishing in Anambas regency and on their way home.

Aur Island is located just 50 kilometers east from the border between the Malaysian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the Indonesian EEZ, or some 100 km west from Anambas Islands regency. 

Enforcement was taken after the PPM received reports from Malaysian fishermen on the suspicious activities of two foreign vessels. When checked, the fishermen could not produce any identity documents and were immediately sent to Mersing District Police for detention.

The consulate general moved swiftly to ensure the fishermen’s legal rights are fulfilled during investigation stage, which is scheduled until mid of June.

Information, social and culture functions official at the consulate general, Dhania Afini Lestari, said that the consular access was carried out formally on June 5 at the Mersing District Fishery Office. The meeting involved various Malaysian security agencies to verify the conditions of the Indonesian fishermen directly.

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“We have met the fishermen directly and ensured they are in healthy conditions, receive good treatment and sufficient meals from the local authorities,” Dhania said in press release issued on June 9.

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