Seven fishermen deported by Australia

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