Thailand Releases 13 Aceh Fishermen After Six-Month Detention
- 16 Sep 2026 09:08 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Poin Utama
- Thailand has released 13 East Aceh fishermen after they served six-month sentences for illegal fishing.
- The fishermen are completing immigration procedures before being repatriated to Aceh through Soekarno-Hatta.
RRI.CO.ID, Banda Aceh - Thirteen fishermen from East Aceh Regency who were detained in Thailand for illegal fishing have been released and are undergoing administrative procedures ahead of their repatriation to Indonesia.
Regional Representative Council (DPD) member Sudirman Haji Uma confirmed the release on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, following direct communication with the Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Songkhla. The crew members were originally intercepted aboard the KM Aneuk Manja on March 10, 2026, inside Thailand's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
While an underage crew member was released shortly after the initial arrest, the remaining 13 crew members served a six-month judicial sentence before their official release.
Repatriation procedures are being finalized in coordination with Phuket Immigration, with flight transit scheduled through Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang before the Aceh Provincial Administration assists with their final return flight to Aceh. A separate legal case involving five additional East Aceh fishermen detained aboard the KM Jalur Gaza remains under review by Thai maritime authorities.
"We have received confirmation that as many as 13 Aceh fishermen have entered the preparation process for repatriation to Indonesia, these 13 fishermen are currently in the process of being repatriated, likely within this week. For the exact date, it is still being coordinated with Phuket Immigration. As soon as there is certainty, we will immediately inform the families," he said in Banda Aceh on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, as quoted by Antara.
He detailed the joint financial and transit logistics arranged with the Aceh Provincial Administration to facilitate the crew's return.
"Besides KJRI Songkhla, we have also communicated with the Aceh Administration regarding support for the repatriation process of these 13 fishermen, including funding needs and their pickup later, we hope the families remain patient. Let us all collaborate with the government so that this process runs smoothly. Our hope is that everyone can return safely and gather once again with their families," Haji Uma explained regarding the transit route via Soekarno-Hatta. ***
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