Bintan, Batamnews - Three fishermen from Bintan Regency, Riau Islands were reportedly arrested by the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM). Now they are being held in the neighboring country.

The chairman of the Indonesian Traditional Fishermen Group (KNTI) Bintan, Buyung Adli said the fishermen detained by the Malaysian police were residents of Masiran Village RT 07/RW 02, Gunung Kijang Village, Bintan.

"Three fishermen who were arrested and are currently being held in Malaysia are Agus Suprianto (26), Sandi (18), and Andi (18)," said Buyung, Monday (12/7/2021).

From the reports he received, the three fishermen went to sea on Thursday (8/7/2021) at around 2.00.WIB on a 34-foot boat with a 35 PK engine and a capacity of 3 Gross Tone (GT).

They brought fishing gear in the form of long lines and fishing rods to Len 104 with the bottom number Gps 35.36.

"Those in the waters of Awor Island are estimated to be 52 miles from the coast of Kampung Masiran to the west," he explained.

Usually, they go to sea to take up to 2 to 3 days. After that, they will go home soon. However, one of the crew members named Andi contacted the owner of the boat they were riding, Mr. Safarudin via WhatsApp (WA) on Sunday (11/7 2021) night.

"Pak Safarudin received a WA from Andi at around 20.00 WIB. In the WA message Andi said they were detained by the Malaysian Police," he said.

Until now, the families and boat owners have not been able to get any news from the three detained in Malaysia.