Australia deports 50 RI fishermen

Australia deports 50 RI fishermen

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The Australian government deports
about 50 Indonesian fishermen every month for illegally entering
its waters, a local official said yesterday.

Antara quoted Lukman Hakim at the provincial office of the
Ministry of Social Services as saying that most of the fishermen
were sent home through the El Tari Airport here.

Last month, 69 fishermen were deported by Australia. Seven
hundred fishermen have been deported by Australia over the past
year.

"Many of them spent some time in jail and had their boats
confiscated and burned," Lukman said. "Many are also veterans.
They have been arrested and deported a number of times."

He believes that one of the reasons why the fishermen repeat
the offense was because they enjoyed the good treatment they
receive from the Australian government, including free plane
rides.

Australia only allows traditional fishing in the waters near
Cartier Island, Scott Reef, Seringapatam Reef and Browse Island,
Antara said. (swe)