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)