Indonesian Consulate Investigates Shooting of Merauke Fishing Boat in PNG

The Indonesian Consulate in Vanimo, Papua New Guinea, is still investigating an official report from local authorities regarding the shooting incident involving a fishing vessel from Merauke, which left its captain injured.

Indonesian Consul in Vanimo Alexander Tangkuman told ANTARA on Saturday that his office is still awaiting a complete report from the authorities in Daru, the capital of Western Province, concerning the incident.

According to Alexander, the report is expected to clarify the chronology of events, including alleged violations committed by the vessel and its crew members.

He said the vessel’s skipper, Ma’arifuddin Dhuhri, is still receiving treatment at Daru Hospital and his condition is stable.

Alexander said he visited the victim on Tuesday (21 July), but the visiting time allotted by local authorities was limited, so the conversation could not last long.

In addition, the Indonesian Consulate has so far been unable to meet the crew members who remain aboard the vessel berthed at Daru Port.

He expressed hope that the Western Province authorities would soon submit an official report so that the consulate can ascertain the condition of all crew members as well as obtain an explanation of the legal basis for the action taken against the fishing vessel.

Alexander said his office is still awaiting the report as the basis for obtaining complete information on the handling of the incident involving the fishing vessel from Merauke.