Two Malaysian fishing boats detained in Kalimantan waters

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JAKARTA, EAST KALIMANTAN: An Indonesian army border patrol team detained two Malaysian fishing boats on Friday night for allegedly fishing in Indonesian waters, off the coast of Nunukan Island, East Kalimantan.

Local media reported yesterday that six fishermen from the two boats, three to a boat, were also detained at Inhutani Port, Nunukan, but the reports did not state their nationality.

Out of the six, three were reported to have valid travel documents – two having passports and the other, a border pass. One of the passports was issued by the Indonesian Consulate in Tawau, Sabah.

One of the fishermen was said to be from Campalagian, Polman district in West Celebes, Indonesia.

The Indonesian authorities said there were five boats from Malaysia fishing in the Kalimantan waters when the Indonesian army border patrol team approached the area but three of the boats sped off.

According to local fishermen, the boats from Malaysia were often seen fishing in the area.

The boats were said to be flying the Indonesian flag when in the waters there but would them change it for the Malaysian flag when in Malaysian waters. — Bernama