Navy evicts foreign boats

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The Navy expelled 15 fishing boats flying the Chinese flag for entering Indonesian waters without the necessary documents Monday, the authorities said yesterday.

Commodore Fredy Numberi, who leads an anti-poaching operation, told Antara the boats were carrying tuna to be sold to a fishing company in Jayapura.

Numberi said foreign ships are allowed to operate in exclusive economic zones but they need security clearance to enter Indonesian waters.

Foreign fishermen are not allowed to directly sell their catch in Indonesia, he said. (pan)