Protesters seek fishermen's release, attack council

Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan

A rally at the provincial legislature to demand the release of 22 detained fishermen, including youths, ended in violence on Wednesday as the protesters vandalized two faction sign boards outside the legislative council building.

No arrests were made following the unruly protest, which very nearly erupted into a clash with security troops.

The act of violence came after no legislators turned up to talk to the demonstrators, who were grouped in the Pillar for Fishermen Struggle (Asura).

The leader of the protesters, Budiman Dharmawan, said that the group of fishermen rallied to urge both the legislators and the police to stop the rampant violence committed by trawler owners and businessmen on poor fishermen.

"The burning of the trawlers by fishermen on Apr. 25, reflected the peak of our frustration and anger of the lackluster efforts by the authorities to take action against trawlers," Budi said.

He said traditional fishermen were unable to reel in very much fish this season due to the trawlers, which use huge nets and bring in very large catches, that ply the waters off of North Sumatra.

"We just want these fishermen, particularly those who are underaged, to be released," Budi said.

Frustrated fishermen burned three trawlers and were about to set another on fire in Sei Berombang on April 25 to protest the rampant operation of trawlers. Armed officers from the Air and Sea Police (Airud) arrived and started to shoot warning shots to disperse the protesters.

A boat of a fishermen was hit by one of the warning shots in the incident and the fishermen were forced to dive for cover into the water, but the Airud officers continued shooting to disperse the angry fishermen.

During that incident, an Air and Sea Police officer, First. Sgt. Safrijon, 37, fell into the water and drowned.

The detained fishermen included children aged between 10 years and 14 years old.

North Sumatra council deputy speaker Hasrul Azwar regretted the violent rally on Wednesday. "This was an abuse, and so unnecessary," Hasrul told The Jakarta Post.

He said no legislators appeared for dialogs with the protesting fishermen as members of the legislature were visiting several regencies to observe projects which were funded by the provincial budget.

"That's why we could not meet and talk with them. But we are ready to receive them anytime after we return from the working visits," he said.