Five Aceh Fishermen Remain Detained in Thailand as Repatriation Efforts Continue
- 16 Sep 2026 18:18 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Key Points
- Thirteen fishermen from East Aceh were cleared for repatriation after completing their legal sentences in Thailand.
- Five Acehnese fishermen remain in Thai custody due to additional alleged violations.
- Panglima Laot urged border fishermen to upgrade navigation systems to prevent accidental boundary crossings.
RRI.CO.ID, Banda Aceh - While 13 fishermen from Aceh have been cleared to return home after completing legal proceedings in Thailand, efforts are continuing to secure the release of five others who remain in detention.
Aceh's traditional maritime institution, Panglima Laot, said the five fishermen from East Aceh Regency are still being held by Thai authorities even as preparations are underway for the repatriation of the 13 others.
"There are still five people being detained. It is possible they are being held because of other violations, which is why they cannot be repatriated together with the other 13 fishermen," Chief of Panglima Laot Aceh Miftach Tjut Adek said in Banda Aceh on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, as quoted by Antara.
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The fishermen were among 19 crew members from East Aceh who were arrested by Thai authorities in March 2026 on allegations of illegal fishing in Thai waters.
According to Miftach, the 19 fishermen came from two different vessels. Fourteen were crew members of KM Aneuk Manja, while the remaining five worked aboard another fishing boat. One of the 14 KM Aneuk Manja crew members had previously been returned to Indonesia because he was a minor.
"The information we received is that 13 fishermen have been released after completing the legal process. The other five are still being detained there," Miftach said.
As authorities work to bring the released fishermen home, Panglima Laot urged Acehnese fishermen operating near maritime borders to exercise greater caution, particularly during periods of extreme weather. He noted that strong ocean currents can unintentionally push fishing vessels across international maritime boundaries.
"We also urge fishermen to equip their boats with adequate navigation tools, so they do not accidentally enter the waters of another country while fishing in open seas," he said.
Earlier, Aceh Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) member Sudirman, widely known as Haji Uma, confirmed that the 13 East Aceh fishermen had been released by Thai authorities after serving their sentences since March 2026.
The confirmation followed coordination between Sudirman and the Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Songkhla regarding arrangements for the fishermen's return.
"We have communicated and coordinated with the Indonesian Consulate General in Songkhla, Thailand, regarding the repatriation of the East Aceh fishermen. Their return schedule is still being coordinated with the country's immigration authorities," Sudirman said.
According to information from the Indonesian Consulate General in Songkhla, the repatriation schedule is still under discussion with Phuket Immigration authorities. The Aceh provincial administration is also coordinating support measures to facilitate the fishermen's return to Aceh, where they are expected to reunite with their families after months of legal proceedings abroad. ***
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