Skip to main content

Singapore Coast Guard Intercepts Indonesian Fishing Boats Amid Maritime Dispute

Credit: Tiktok/@ulasan.official & CNA

 

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) stated on Thursday (Jan 2) that the Police Coast Guard (PCG) took "appropriate enforcement action" after multiple incursions by Indonesian fishing boats into Singapore's territorial waters near Tuas.

This comes in response to media reports and a viral TikTok video, posted by Indonesian news outlet Batampos, which showed a fisherman falling into the sea allegedly due to strong waves caused by a Singapore patrol boat. The fisherman was rescued by his peers, one of whom could be heard shouting at the patrol boat crew.

Incident Details

On Dec 24, PCG officers observed several Indonesian fishing boats entering and exiting Singapore territorial waters starting around 8:45 AM. At about 1:20 PM, two of these vessels were spotted deeper within Singapore waters, heading northwest towards Tuas View Extension.

In response, a coast guard boat intercepted the vessels to deter further encroachment. Officers onboard engaged the fishermen, advising them to leave as unauthorized vessels were not permitted in the area.

The fishermen eventually complied and exited Singapore's waters by approximately 1:40 PM.

SPF emphasized that the PCG operated in a “professional and safe manner” and reiterated that foreign vessels must adhere to the instructions of Singapore authorities when in its waters.

Indonesian Fishermen’s Perspective

The video, widely shared online, has sparked controversy. Eighteen-year-old fisherman Danil Mahadir Van, who fell overboard, told CNN Indonesia that he was fishing with his father in what they considered their traditional fishing grounds.

“Suddenly the Singapore police came to chase us away, but we did not want to leave because we felt that it was part of our fishing area. The patrol boat kept circling around, creating big waves, and I fell into the sea,” Danil said.

Responses from Authorities

The Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) is investigating the incident. On Dec 29, it met with the fishermen involved to assess their condition following what it described as a "dangerous" event.

SPF stated that the Singapore Consulate in Batam has engaged with Indonesian stakeholders to address the incident and will continue discussions as necessary.

Background and Implications

The waters near Tuas have long been a sensitive area due to overlapping claims and traditional fishing practices. Singapore has consistently maintained that its territorial boundaries are clear and that unauthorized entry into its waters is prohibited.

The SPF reaffirmed that the PCG is committed to upholding Singapore's sovereignty and protecting its waters while conducting enforcement professionally.

Reflection

The incident underscores the challenges of managing maritime boundaries, particularly in areas where traditional fishing rights and national sovereignty overlap. Both nations have expressed a commitment to dialogue, signaling the potential for peaceful resolution despite the rising tensions.



Labels:
Location: Singapore

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

New Punggol Northshore BTO Plagued by Water Seepage and Electrical Hazards

  ***Update: HDB, Maincon and Consultant has came down to the unit to check. Will update on status once we have more information. A Punggol Northshore BTO homeowner, who moved into his newly renovated flat in July 2024, has voiced frustration over severe water leakage issues that have left his unit unsafe and unlivable. Water has been observed seeping from an electrical powerpoint, with puddles forming on the floor and walls showing bubbling and signs of damage from moisture. The source of the leak appears to be an external wall adjacent to the master bedroom, according to assessments by the main contractor. However, the leakage has already caused significant damage to the flat's walls and paintwork, leaving the homeowner distressed. Adding to the frustration, the main contractor advised the homeowner to avoid using the affected power switches in the living room and bedroom due to the risk of a short circuit. Despite the warning, the homeowner has no choice but to turn on the light...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Gateway to Singapore’s Digital Future, Punggol Coast MRT Station Opens Today!

  The Punggol Coast MRT station, the 17th station on the North East Line (NEL), officially opened on December 10, 2024. Located in the heart of the Punggol Digital District (PDD), it extends the NEL’s total length to 22 km and enhances accessibility for over 200,000 households within a 10-minute walk of an NEL station. Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, speaking at the launch, emphasized the station's role in transforming Punggol Town into a vibrant, connected, and sustainable hub. Travel time for Punggol North residents to Outram Park is now reduced to 45 minutes, down from 60 minutes. Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat highlighted the foresight in planning Singapore’s transport infrastructure, such as provisions made two decades ago for the Cross Island Line interchange at Punggol MRT station. This long-term approach underscores Singapore’s commitment to future generations. The station integrates seamlessly with PDD, a 50-hectare smart and sustainable district focusing on digital indus...
Post a Comment
Read more

Queue-Cutting Toyota Raize Causes Chain Collision at Second Link

  Credit: Facebook@ 伟安 A Singapore-registered Toyota Raize was caught on video cutting the queue at the Second Link on Malaysia's side, sparking a chain collision on Dec. 24. The incident, which took place during peak traffic, highlights the dangers of reckless driving at border crossings. Incident Breakdown The Toyota Raize was seen traveling in the heavy vehicles lane before crossing over a double white line to join the congested car lane. Its sudden maneuver caused two other queue-cutting cars behind it to slow down sharply. This led to a lorry, which was traveling in the heavy vehicles lane, ploughing into the two cars. Smoke could be seen rising from the lorry following the impact, but the Toyota Raize appeared to escape unscathed and moved ahead. Meanwhile, the two cars involved in the collision were stopped. Reactions on Social Media The video of the incident drew widespread criticism. Commenters blamed the Toyota Raize for initiating the chain of events while also calling ...
Post a Comment
Read more