Seven fishermen deported by Australia

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Seven Indonesian fishermen from Rote Ndao regency were deported by the Australian Police after being arrested nearly a month ago.

The fishermen, who were arrested on May 11 in Darwin for illegally entering Australian waters, arrived in Kupang on Monday evening.

The fishermen were upset that the Australian government did not compensate them for damage to their ships and fishing gear.

"The Australian Police accused us of illegally entering their waters. We didn't know the legal borders because there are no signs at sea," said Ridwan, one of the seven fishermen.

Since 1988 more than 1,100 Indonesian fishermen have been arrested by the Australian Police for fishing in the Timor Sea and near Pasir Island. -- JP