Dozens of Thai fishermen roam Nias

Dozens of Thai fishermen roam Nias

MEDAN, North Sumatra: The presence of dozens of Thai fishermen
on Nias island has caused unrest among the islanders as locals
feared they would spread AIDS.

The Thai fishermen have been employed on a fishing vessel
belonging to PT Universal Mina Jaya after they were arrested last
December for fishing illegally in Indonesian waters.

Ami Hari, a Nias community leader, lambasted the company for
employing the Thai fishermen, saying their presence had triggered
restlessness among locals.

Ami said the people of Nias were willing to cooperate with
investors who were able to empower the people, but not with such
a company which has created confusion and unrest among the
people. --JP