Singapore police respond to claims of coast guard 'intimidation' against Indonesian fishermen
A recent encounter between the Singapore Police Coast Guard (PCG) and Indonesian fishermen near Tuas has sparked allegations of "intimidation" from the fishermen, following what Singapore authorities assert was a routine enforcement action in Singapore Territorial Waters (STW).
Stomper Jane alerted Stomp to viral videos posted on TikTok of the incident involving the PCG and Indonesian fishermen that occurred on Dec 24.
Distrawandi, chairman of the Indonesian Fishermen's Association of the Riau Islands (HNSI Kepri), expressed strong disapproval of the actions of the PCG, reports Antara News.
While he acknowledged that the fishermen, who were fishing near Pulau Nipah, had crossed into Singapore's territorial waters, he said that the approach taken by the PCG posed a threat to the safety of the fishermen.
One fisherman alleges he was thrown into the sea due to the waves caused by the patrol boat.
"If our fishermen were indeed at fault, they should have been informed properly, not intimidated," Distrawandi said.
In response to media queries, the police said the PCG took appropriate enforcement action in response to encroachment by the fishermen who were fishing in STW.
At about 8.45am, PCG officers observed several Indonesian fishing vessels entering and exiting STW multiple times.
In response, PCG deployed its boats in the vicinity to deter and stop the unauthorised vessels from entering STW.
At about 1.20pm, PCG officers spotted that two out of a group of five Indonesian fishing vessels had entered STW further and was heading due northwest towards Tuas View Extension.
A PCG boat thus intercepted the two fishing vessels to prevent them from further encroaching into STW.
"PCG officers then engaged the fishermen onboard the fishing vessels in STW and advised them to leave as unauthorised vessels were prohibited from entering the area," said the police.
"They eventually acceded and left STW at about 1.40pm."
The police said foreign vessels should comply with the instructions of Singapore authorities when in STW.
"PCG will continue to execute its duties within STW in a professional and safe manner," the police added.
"The Singapore Consulate in Batam has engaged various Indonesian stakeholders on this incident, at their requests, and will continue doing so."
