TERASBATAM.ID: In a significant maritime operation, the Indonesian Coast Guard (Bakamla RI) successfully retrieved 18 Indonesian fishermen who were handed over by the Australian government. The transfer took place aboard the Australian Custom Vessel Cape Sorell, operated by the Australian Border Force (ABF), in the waters of Asmore Reef, marking the border between Indonesia and Australia, on Monday, May 13, 2024.
Throughout 2024, a total of 36 Indonesian fishermen were apprehended by Australian authorities. Following a thorough inspection process, they were granted permission to return home.
The safe and smooth repatriation process was reported by the Commander of KN. Pulau Marore-322, Lieutenant Colonel Bakamla Adi Poetra Sitanggang. Half of the fishermen were transported by KN. Pulau Marore-322, a vessel owned by Bakamla RI, while the remaining 18 were aboard KP Orca 05, belonging to the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP). Post-transfer, the fishermen underwent immigration and health checks on board.
Today, all fishermen escorted by KN Marore-322 and KP Orca 05 are set to be officially handed over to representatives of the regional government institutions of Kupang and the Head of the Marine and Fisheries Department of Southeast Sulawesi.
