Riau Islands fishermen detained by Malaysia, Indonesia seeks clarification

Indonesia's Riau Islands provincial government is working with the Indonesian Consulate General in Kuching to determine the whereabouts and condition of several local fishermen detained by Malaysian authorities. Provincial border agency head Doli Boniara said seven fishermen from the Riau Islands were held after their vessels drifted into Sarawak waters without authorization, reportedly because their anchors failed. The detentions occurred in two separate groups at different times. Authorities are still verifying the exact number of fishermen and the circumstances of the arrests, and they will continue coordinating with Malaysian officials to provide assistance and arrange possible repatriation. "It is true that fishermen from the Riau Islands are currently being detained in Malaysia. We are still verifying the exact number," Boniara said.