Bintan, Batamnews - Four of the six fishermen from Bintan Regency were released by the Malaysian government. They had been in detention for more than a month in a neighboring country.

Of the four who have been released, only two have been repatriated to Indonesia. Two others were detained in Malaysia because they were confirmed positive for Covid when swab tests were conducted ahead of their return.

The other two are still on trial in Malaysia.

Previously they were detained because they were considered fishing to enter Malaysian waters without a permit.

Although, they previously argued that the boat they were crewing was damaged and carried by the current to Malaysian waters.

As is known, the fishermen detained by the Malaysian government believe Agus Suprianto (26), Sandi (18), and Andi (18) are residents of Masiran Village RT 07/RW 02, Gunung Kijang Village, Gunung Kijang District. Then Muhammad Rapi (33), Reza Mavian (20) and Gunawan (17) from Air Glubi Village, Bintan Pesisir District.

The chairman of the Indonesian Traditional Fishermen Group (KNTI) Bintan, Buyung Adly, said that 4 fishermen had been released on the basis of confessions at the Johor Malaysia High Court, accompanied by the Indonesian Consulate General who was there.

"The 4 fishermen who were released are Sandi, Andi, Reza Mavian, and Gunawan," he said Friday (6/8/2021).

Previously, when they went to sea at the border, the boat they were traveling in was damaged. Then the boat was carried away by currents and strong winds until it entered Malaysian waters. Furthermore, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) patrol boat took action.

After passing the trial, 4 of them were released. However, only 2 fishermen arrived in Indonesia, namely Sandy and Andy. They were repatriated through the Johor International Seaport accompanied and delivered directly by the Indonesian Consulate General.