28 Sep 2006

Indonesia proposes join sea patrols to prevent illegal fishing in PNG

8:00 am on 28 September 2006

Indonesia is proposing joint sea patrols along the border to prevent further incidences of illegal fishing.

A spokesperson for the Indonesian Embassy in Port Moresby Pratito Soeharyo said he will arrange a meeting between Indonesian and PNG government officials to discuss the matter.

He said the Indonesians have been caught in PNG waters because it is the fish season now, and they may have crossed over unintentionally while chasing fish.

The National newspaper reports forty-two Indonesians have been arrested for illegal fishing in the past six months off the coast of PNG's Sandaun and Western provinces.

One fisherman was shot dead by a PNG patrol.