DPD Member: 13 Acehnese Fishermen Arrested by Thai Authorities Released
We have received confirmation that 13 Acehnese fishermen have entered the repatriation process to Indonesia.
Banda Aceh (ANTARA) - Member of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) of the Republic of Indonesia from Aceh, Sudirman Haji Uma, stated that 13 fishermen from East Aceh Regency have been released by Thai authorities after serving their sentences since March 2026, and are now awaiting repatriation to Indonesia.
“We have received confirmation that 13 Acehnese fishermen have entered the repatriation process to Indonesia,” said Sudirman Haji Uma in Banda Aceh on Tuesday.
He conveyed this certainty after communicating and coordinating with the Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Songkhla regarding the repatriation of the fishermen from East Aceh.
Previously, 14 Acehnese fishermen were arrested by Thai authorities on suspicion of illegal fishing in Thailand’s exclusive economic zone using the KM Aneuk Manja on 10 March 2026. However, one crew member was subsequently released because he was a minor, whilst the other 13 were sentenced.
Alongside them, five other fishermen from East Aceh were also arrested by Thai authorities aboard the KM Jalur Gaza. However, the legal developments concerning these five individuals remain uncertain.
According to confirmation from KJRI Songkhla, Haji Uma said the 13 fishermen will soon be repatriated to Indonesia. However, the schedule for their return is still being coordinated with Phuket Immigration.
“These 13 fishermen are now in the repatriation process, possibly within this week. The exact date is still being coordinated with Phuket Immigration. Once there is certainty, we will immediately inform the families,” he said.
In addition to KJRI Songkhla, Haji Uma has also communicated with the Aceh Government regarding support for the repatriation of the 13 fishermen, including funding requirements and their eventual pickup.
So far, the scheme being prepared for the repatriation of the 13 fishermen is for them to first be flown home via Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.
Subsequently, the Aceh Government will assist with their journey back to Aceh, where they will be reunited with their families.
To that end, Haji Uma asked the families to remain patient while communication and coordination continue with KJRI Songkhla, the Aceh Government, and other relevant parties.
“We hope the families remain patient. Let us all collaborate with the government so that this process runs smoothly. Our hope is that all of them can return safely and be reunited with their families,” said Haji Uma.