At Least 20 Indonesian Fishermen Serving Jail Term in Malaysia

Medan (Antara) - At least 20 Indonesian traditional fishermen from the district of Deli Serdang, North Sumatra, are serving jail term in Pulau Penang prison, Malaysia. Secretary of the North Sumatra branch of the Indonesian fishermen (HNSI), Ihya Ulumuddin, said he had no information when the small fishermen from Pantai Labu sub-district, would be released. They had been in jail for almost five months, Ihya said here on Sunday. The HNSI hopes the district administration of Deli Serdang could help in seeking the release of the fishermen by involving the Indonesian Consulate General in Pulau Penang, he said. "The Deli Serdang district could ask the Consulate General to seek the release of the fishermen from the prison," he said. The 20 fishermen were reported to be caught by Malaysian authorities seven miles across the border in the Malaysian territory. Ihya said apparently the fishermen had entered the Malaysian sea territory unaware. "They had no intention of poaching in foreign sea territory," he added. He said he feared while they are in jail they left their family member starving. (*)