2-1-2024 (SINGAPORE) Indonesian fishing vessels repeatedly breached maritime boundaries near Tuas, prompting intervention from the Police Coast Guard (PCG).
The Singapore Police Force confirmed yesterday that multiple Indonesian vessels were detected entering and exiting Singapore’s waters on 24 December 2024. The incident, which has sparked tension between the neighbouring nations, saw two fishing boats venture deeper into Singaporean territory.
According to official reports, PCG officers first spotted the Indonesian vessels at 8:45 am, leading to the deployment of patrol boats to monitor the situation. The situation escalated at 1:20 pm when two boats from a group of five Indonesian fishing vessels advanced northwest towards Tuas View Extension.
“Our officers intercepted the vessels to prevent further unauthorised entry into Singapore’s sovereign waters,” a Police Coast Guard spokesperson said. Following negotiations, the Indonesian fishermen agreed to withdraw, departing the area by 1:40 pm.
The incident has drawn criticism from Indonesian fishing authorities. Distrowandi, who heads the Riau Islands branch of the Indonesian National Fishermen’s Association, expressed strong concerns about the enforcement methods. A video circulating on social media appears to show wake from a PCG vessel causing one Indonesian fisherman to fall overboard, though he was swiftly rescued without injury.
The Singapore Consulate General in Batam has engaged in diplomatic discussions with Indonesian stakeholders regarding the incident. Singapore authorities emphasised that foreign vessels must comply with local maritime regulations and instructions whilst in Singaporean waters.
“The Police Coast Guard will continue to conduct its duties professionally and safely within Singapore’s territorial waters,” the police statement concluded.
@ulasan.official BATAM – HNSI Kepri mendatangi kantor Konsulat Singapura di Batam untuk melakukan protes dan meminta pertanggungjawaban atas tindakan Polisi Maritim Singapura yang sengaja bermanuver menggunakan kapal patroli untuk membuat gelombang, guna mengusir para nelayan Batam yang sedang menangkap ikan di perairan Pulau Nipah pada Selasa 24 Desember 2024. Selengkapnya di YouTube Official UTV https://youtu.be/ze0lI-pAjBo #hnsi #konjen #polisi #maritim #kantor #konsulat #nelayan #kepulauanriau #singapura #batam #ulasantv #ulasanberita #beritahariini ♬ suara asli – Ulasan Network
