 |
| 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.
Comments
Post a Comment