Singapore, Malaysia go to international court to settle island

Singapore (ANTARA News) - Singapore and Malaysia will appear before the International Court of Justice in the Netherlands next week to settle their claims to a strategically located island.

Both countries have said they will accept the court's decision on Pedra Branca and two outcrops in the Singapore Strait as the final word in the 28-year disagreement.

The hearings in the Hague, where the 15-member court is located, follow three rounds of pleadings between the two countries from March 2004 to November 2005.

The city-state has exercised sovereignty over the island since the 1840s when the British colonial government built a lighthouse there.

The island, about 40 kilometres east of Singapore, is strategically located at the eastern entrance of the strait.

Malaysia staked its claim to the island in 1979 and calls it Pulau Batu Putih, triggering the row.

An agreement was signed on February 6, 2003 to submit the dispute to the international body.

The court said on its website Wednesday that the city-state will have four days starting November 6 to present its case. Malaysia will make its case from November 13 to 16.

The court has set aside three weeks for the case, a Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement was quoted by DPA as saying.

Bali governor asks people to conserve endangered seaweed

Nusa Penida, Bali (ANTARA News) - Governor of world renown island tourist of Bali, Dewa Beratha, has asked farmers in Nusa Penida islet to conserve endangered seaweed called spinosum and increase cultivation of the plant.

In a working visit here on Wednesday, Beratha said the spinosum endangered water plant, which was only found in coastal areas in Nusa Penida islet, some 19 miles southeast of Denpasar, must be conserved.

Local people started to know that spinosum was endangered seaweed after the Bogor-based Institute of Agriculture and the Denpasar-based Udayana University conducted researches on the seaweed in Nusa Penida`s coastal area sometime ago, Beratha said.

The people began conserving and cultivating the seaweed afterwards.

Local farmers said selling price of the endangered seaweed was more expensive than common one`s.

Pirates 'overpowered' off Somalia

BBC News

A group of pirates that hijacked a cargo ship in the waters off Somalia have been overpowered by the ship's crew, according to one official.

The ship's capture was reported on Tuesday morning by the East African Seafarers' Assistance Programme.

But a few hours later, the programme's Andrew Mwangura said the ship's 22 crew had regained control of the vessel.

Somalia is notorious for piracy. Only Indonesia's waters are considered more prone to pirate attacks.

Only on Monday, a Japanese vessel was seized off the East African coast.

After Tuesday's hijack, militiamen demanded a $15,000 (£7,250) ransom to free the vessel, said Paddy Ankunda, a spokesman for African Union troops in the Somali capital Mogadishu.

"The hijacking was masterminded by the same people who were supposed to bring it into the dock," he said.

The freighter had apparently unloaded its cargo - thought to have been sugar - by the time of its capture.

Mr Mwangura said the crew were sailing the ship back to Mogadishu after defeating the pirates.

"I hear the crew on the ship overpowered the gunmen. The crew were 22 while the gunmen were eight," he said.

KADIN calls for speedy improvement of sea-port facilities

Nanning, China (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) has urged the government to soon improve facilities at Indonesian seaports as they were no longer adequate, thus often causing delays in the delivery of Indonesian exports.

"We want our sea transportation system to be improved, including its infrastructure as many export commodities such as coal, crude palm oil, oil and gas often get stuck due to conditions at our sea ports," KADIN Chairman MS Hidayat said here on Monday.

He made the statement amid the ongoing fourth China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) being held here October 28-31.

He said the government should also improve sea port facilities to prevent stagnation in the country`s exports.

Because of late delivery, Indonesian crude palm oil exports were often subjected to price deductions, he said "Our crude palm oil businessmen often complain as their selling price are often deducted for arriving late," he said.

He said foreign importers preferred to buy the commodity from Malaysia as the latter always sent their commodity on time.

He added the transportation minister was trying to help solve the problem by calling on Chinese businessmen to invest in sea ports in Indonesia so their facilities could be improved.

The fourth expo which opened on Sunday aimed to enhance regional cooperation in port development.

It is meant to serve as a forum for cooperation between China and ASEAN in both trade and investment as well to speed up the conclusion of a China-ASEAB Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA).

The Constitution of the Oceans

The Jakarta Post

I Made Andi Arsana, New York City

Attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York was an interesting experience. Being an observer, it was exciting for me to see how a negotiation and consultation went. The day I attended an informal consultation of the law of the sea was taking place. The moment reminded me that the future of ocean affairs and the law of the sea was being discussed in the room.

This year, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is 25 years old. People refer to it as the "Constitution of the Oceans", being the most comprehensive codified law of the sea in human history.

The road to establish the convention was long and winding, and it took nine years to finish before it was ratified by the majority of coastal states around the globe. To date, it has been signed by 154 coastal states and the European Union, including Indonesia, with the Law No. 17/1985.

The convention also deals with international maritime boundaries. In this regard, Indonesia has 10 neighboring states, namely India, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, the Philippines, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Australia and Timor Leste, with which maritime boundaries need to be settled. To date, 18 agreements have been established making Indonesia one of the most productive in this regard. However, Indonesia still has work to do.

It has to be admitted that the journey of Indonesia remains colored in inconveniences concerning maritime boundary disputes. The Ambalat case, outer-island issues and pending maritime boundaries with Singapore are examples we see in the news even now. The story of Sipadan and Ligitan islands is a legend that keeps being retold.

Now it is worth remembering all those issues and learn some lessons from them to build a better story for the future.

Most of the people in Indonesia believe that Sipadan and Ligitan islands were taken by Malaysia from Indonesia. This is a mistake. Sipadan and Ligitan were owned by no state. Indonesia and Malaysia tried to claim them and Malaysia won sovereignty due to reasons of effectivity (effective occupation).

The "victory" was not only due to the efforts of Malaysia but also what the British did in the past. It was the British that implemented law and established lighthouses on the islands. It is also worth noting that the effective occupation had nothing to do with the tourism resorts Malaysia had on those two islands, as anything after 1969 was not considered. The two states agreed to consider only events taking place before 1969.

There are at least three things we should do.

First, we need to devote our energy and time to settling pending maritime boundaries with neighbors. I believe the government has been making its best efforts in this. Negotiations with Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines are taking place, as well as a preliminary approach with Palau. In addition, Indonesia is currently preparing a submission to the UN concerning outer limits of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles.

Second, maintenance and socialization of existing maritime boundaries is inevitable. Visualizing maritime boundaries on a chart with adequate specifications, and informing relevant parties (e.g. fishermen, coastal communities, etc.) of the status and location of the boundaries is a must.

Without proper socialization and understanding, the seizure of Indonesian fishermen crossing maritime boundaries will continue. It is time to learn and care for our territory and borders.

Third, it is necessary to enhance expertise in maritime boundaries, concerning legal, political and technical aspects. It is undisputable that maritime boundary issues deal with law and politics. However, few of us are aware how much technical aspects are involved. Not much news concerns the importance of coordinating definitions using proper geodetic datum, for instance. No wonder, people tend to see maritime boundary issues only as a matter of law and politics.

Indonesia, undoubtedly, has many legal experts but more people with technical expertise are required. We need more geoscientists (e.g geodesy, geophysics, geology and hydrography) who are focused on technical aspects of the law of the sea. It is not to say that the existing experts are unqualified, just that there need to be more.

The writer is a lecturer in the Department of Geodetic and Geomatic Engineering, Gadjah Mada University. He is currently a UN-Nippon Foundation Fellow in the Division for Ocean Affairs and Law of the Sea, UN, New York.

Dompu regency turns to the sea for better future

Panca Nugraha, The Jakarta Post, Dompu-NTB

Dompu might be an unfamiliar name for many but its pristine Lakey beach has made it popular among local and foreign surfers wanting to ride the waves.

Located on the south of Sumbawa Island in West Nusa Tenggara, the beach has hosted many international surfing contests, from the Dompu Indonesia Open to the Dompu-USA Surfing.

The latest event was held in mid-August, with dozens of surfers from Australia, Belgium, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, South Africa and the U.S.

"Dompu is finally becoming known in the outside world due to Lakey beach," Dompu Regent Syaifurrahman Salman told The Jakarta Post.

"But Dompu does not only have Lakey beach, we also have a very promising marine resources, not only tourism. We will continue developing these resources."

Dompu regency is located in the center of Sumbawa Island, in between Sumbawa and Bima regencies.

With an area covering 2,324 square kilometers, Dompu regency has 1,298 square km of beaches and three bays -- Saleh and Sanggar bays in the north, and Cempi bay on the south.

Apart from fishing, Dompu regency, home to 206,126 people, also boasts seaweed and pearl farming potential.

The regency has the potential to grow seaweed on 1,298 hectares in six districts -- Woja, Manggalewa, Kempo, Pekat, Huru and Kilo. Only two districts -- Dompu and Pajo -- are not suitable for seaweed farming.

However, only 85 hectares in two districts, Manggalewa and Kempo, are currently growing seaweed.

"Dompu should be able to produce at least 12,000 tons of seaweed a year but currently, we are only able to produce 10-20 tons annually. The main problem is low investment. That is why we are trying to bring investors here," Syaifurrahman said.

He said that so far the regency administration has convinced a Japanese company to develop seaweed in Dompu. The administration and the company signed a cooperation agreement earlier this year.

He said that under the agreement, the company will set up a company to directly process the seaweed in Dompu. The factory is expected to employ Dompu residents.

"Apart from growing seaweed, the company will also set up a processing factory in Dompu. Seaweed is a really good ingredient to serve as a basic material in the cosmetic and food industry," he said.

Dompu regency administration is currently working hard to promote the cultured pearl industry.

The regency has the potential to develop cultured pearl on 1,967 hectares of land in 25 different locations. However, only 329 hectares in seven locations in Pekat district have been exploited by Jakarta-based company. The rest remain untouched.

"We're working to promote cultured pearl business potential to other provinces and even abroad. For investors wanting to invest in Dompu, we will welcome and assist them."

Whale stranded on Makian island`s coast, North Maluku

Ternate, North Maluku (ANTARA News) - A 10-meter-long whale ran aground on the Peleri coast of Makian Island, Halmahera Selatan District, North Maluku, on Sunday (Oct. 28).

When local people found the whale it was still alive and shaking its body in an attempt to return to the sea, Ismet T, a local fisherman of Makian Island, said here on Monday.

The villagers then tried to help the animal by pushing it to the sea but their efforts were in vain as the whale with a diameter of three meters was too huge, he said.

"After lying on the beach for a few hours, the whale finally died. Whales are often spotted in Makian Island waters but it`s for the first time a 10-meter long whale got stranded on Makian Island`s coast," Ismet said.

It was not known how the whale became stranded but it was believed the giant mammal had lost its way on the many tiny isles around Makian Island.

Ismet said Makian residents believed the stranded whale was a sign that a tsunami might hit the area which has been jolted by frequent earthquakes lately.

Indonesia invites China to take part in seaport development

Nanning, China (ANTARA News) - The government has invited Chinese investors to participate in building modernizing seaports in Indonesia.

Transportation Minister Jusman Syafii Djamal made the statement when attending a China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) in Nanning, Guangxi, China, from October 28 to 31 this year.

The minister expressed hoped that China would invest in seaport construction in effort in Indonesia to help modernize a number of seaports.

Citing examples, the minister said that several seaports in Indonesia such as Tanjung Priok in Jakarta, Tanjung Emas in Semarang (Central Java), Tanjung Perak in Surabaya (East Java), Cirebon in West Java and Makassar in South Sulawesi should be developed into international ports.

"We also invited Chinese businessmen to invest in several harbours which have yet to become operational such as the one in Bojonegoro (East Java)," he said.

Jusman said Indonesia has 977 seaports of which only 141 are ocean ports.

"But we need only 25 international-standard harbours,so that it would make us easier and more practical to maintain their safety and security aspects," he cited.

During the CAEXPO, transportation ministers from ASEAN member countries and China were also scheduled to hold a meeting to consolidate in seaport business, he added.

Tuna Industry In Asia Lucrative But Faces Many Issues

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 (Bernama) -- The Asian tuna industry is worth more than RM20 billion but despite its lucrative potential, players face many issues faced by Asian tuna players, Malaysian International Tuna Port Sdn Bhd (MITP) chief executive director Datuk Annuar Zaini Binyamin said today.

These include the sustainability of tuna stock in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, volatile global fuel prices and its impact on tuna vessels, management of illegal fishing activities in Asia, food safety & sanitary requirements in Asia's tuna exports and the imposition of trade barriers and quotas by western importers, he said.

"It is estimated that the annual economic losses from illegal, unreported & unrecorded (IUU) fishing activities in Asia-Pacific is over RM15 billion," said Annuar Zaini when giving an Asian perspective of the industry at the inaugural 1st Worldwide Tuna Congress of Azores held in Portugal, which ended today.

The event was co-organised by the National Association of the Fish Processing Industry of Spain (ANFACO) and the Portuguese Government, according to MITP in a statement.

Annuar Zaini said he strongly believes that these challenges can be overcome through mutually beneficial Euro-Asia trade agreements and IUU management initiatives, innovation of tuna products, as well as the development of better facilities and infrastructure in Asia's strategically located fisheries ports to encourage larger commercial tuna vessels to land their catch at these facilities.

He noted that Malaysia was among the top prominent tuna landing hubs in Asia from the 1960s to 1980s but since then, it has lost this position to fisheries ports from neighbouring countries like Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore which have spurred the development of their fishing technology and tuna-landing infrastructure.

"Today, pelagic tuna catches in Malaysia have been recorded at 55,000 to 64,000 metric tonnes annually in the last five years," he said.

Since tuna in Malaysia is more of a by-catch than a primary fisheries source, Malaysia needs to rely on the development of better port facilities and infrastructure to capitalise on the lucrative tuna industry, he added.

Annuar Zaini also stressed on the need to facilitate better Euro-Asia and intra-Asia cooperation to resolve the issues and challenges faced by the Asian players as well as to develop the tuna industry in Asia & Europe effectively.

Hundreds of tourists enjoy a little taste of Central Java

The Jakarta Post

Hundreds of foreign tourists, mostly from the U.S., arrived in Central Java capital Semarang's Tanjung Emas port on board a Holland America Line Amsterdam cruise Friday.

According to Bobby from Merapi Tours and Travel agency, which guided the 687 tourists on their one-day tour in Central Java, the cruise stopped in Singapore on Thursday and will continue on to Bali. From the resort island, the cruise, which left from Seattle in the U.S., will depart to Australia.

"I'm so happy that I can visit Indonesia and enjoy a ride on board a steam-powered train in Ambarawa, especially since many souvenir traders offered their handicrafts. This is really interesting," German tourist Bunde Reinhard told The Jakarta Post.

The man, who is on a 62-day vacation on board the cruise with his wife, was one 120 tourists who decided to take a trip on the 1902 train. After the train trip, the tourists visited Borobudur Temple.

Other tourists decided to visit Semarang's sights, such as Sam Poo Kong temple, Blenduk church in Semarang's old town as well as learning about jamu (herbal medicine) and the making of batik.

"We will visit countries in Asia, Australia and Polynesia. This is a long trip," Bunde said, while smoking a cigar during a break at Jambu train station.

The nine-kilometer train trip, which traveled from Ambarawa to Bedono, was popular with the tourists, some of which got a close-up look at the train and its driver, Pujiono.

Along the way, tour guide Nurudin was busy handling their questions, explaining everything, from the town, the train to the region's coffee specialty.

"This is my first time taking an old train. I love antiques and this is so much fun," said tourist Wderanfarel of Washington.

"He's right, taking this train is really fun," said Belle, Wderanfarel's wife. (JP/Suherdjoko)

Diving into providing safety training around the globe

icWales.co.uk, Oct 26 2007 by Aled Blake, Western Mail

A SPECIALIST diving company has signed a $US1.5m five-year deal with the Malaysian government to provide the country with a range of training services.

International Technical Diving Agency, which is based in New Tredegar, was set up in 1996 by Stephen Murray and Georgina Craig – both professional divers then working in the USA – to provide the diving industry with better training standards, delivered cost effectively.

The agreement with Malaysia will see Mr Murray chair the country’s committee for safety training relating to all diving activities.

The Malaysian government is also building a multi-million- pound International Diving Academy Malaysia and ITDA will be the accreditation agency for the project.

Mr Murray said, “In the past the dive industry training systems were driven by commercial goals rather than safety.

“Our aim is to improve dive safety levels world-wide – encompassing all aspects of diving, from commercial and technical diving to sport diving.”

The company operates in 30 countries, providing dive instructors with full health and safety training, certification and accreditation.

In addition to its New Tredegar headquarters, the company has offices in Germany, Egypt and Singapore.

ITDA has worked with International Business Wales, the overseas trade and investment arm of the Welsh Assembly Government, to develop many of its overseas trade opportunities.

Continuing its relationship with IBW, ITDA also intends to create similar trade links with Indonesia.

Mr Murray said, “IBW’s support has been invaluable, and has opened many doors for us. As a result, our business has grown far more rapidly than expected.

“The Far East, Egypt and South East Asia represent important opportunities, and we plan to deve- lop trade links in these regions.”

Malaysia is currently heavily reliant on foreign contractors to provide diving inspections on oil and gas pipelines and rigs – a reliance it wishes to reduce.

Backed by energy giant, Petronas, Malaysia’s state-owned oil and gas company, ITDA already offers training from a $25m joint training facility in Malaysia to indigenous divers and rescue services personnel.

“With our help the Malaysian government wishes to bring on a new generation of skilled workers to carry out the tasks previously performed by outside nations,” says Mr Murray.

ITDA’s comprehensive safety programme took three years to develop. “Our accreditation programme is modelled on the UK HSE – which has some of the most stringent safety requirements in the world – and provides a unified standard that meets the diverse safety requirements demanded by different nations.

“Divers taking part in our programme are also fully trained in rescue techniques. And our expertise encompasses medical training, not only dive-related medical procedures, but the full spectrum of first-aid techniques.

“This medical service will be delivered to a broad range of industries, rather than solely to the diving world.”

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, said, “ITDA is a small company that operates in a niche market and its services are in demand in countries around the world.

“The high quality of its operation is the key to its success and I am glad the Assembly Government has been able to support its international operations through our International Business Wales team.”

Freighter capsizes, all passengers survive

Hasrul, The Jakarta Post, Kendari

A small inter-island freighter carrying 40 passengers sank in waters off South Konawe regency, Southeast Sulawesi, on Thursday, less than a week after the KM Acita III ferry capsized in the same province, killing 31 passengers.

The wooden vessel, KM Sarliana Indah, capsized at around 5.30 a.m. off Hari Island in Laonti district, South Konawe regency.

No casualties were reported in the accident. Passing fishing boats were able to pick up 31 passengers, while 10 others were rescued by the local search and rescue team and the Navy.

The boat was found listing and a large section of its hull was underwater, while passengers clung the ship's bridge.

Rescuers tossed life buoys to survivors and towed them to the awaiting naval vessel.

The boat was on its way from Laonti district to Kendari city, at around 2:00 a.m.

"Before it sank, it hit coral reefs near the island," said the skipper, Sabola, 51.

It listed to the right and eventually rolled over and sank. Fortunately, a number of fishing boats were passing by and were able to assist the passengers.

A survivor, Sulmin, 23, said he was asleep when the accident happened, but was woken by a sudden loud bang. Still in a state of shock, Sulmin was startled when the ship listed sharply to the right. "When water rushed in, I could only pray for safety," said Sulmin.

Sulmin, a civil servant at the Laonti district office, did not lose hope. He used his mobile phone to call a friend working at the Kendari SAR, but he could not be contacted because he was still on duty in Baubau salvaging the KM Acita III.

He then tried to contact the Navy and water police unit. "Fortunately, I was connected to them and the rescue team finally arrived," said Sulmin, adding he kissed his cell phone several times and cried as help arrived.

Skipper of the KRI Bokori naval boat Second Lieut. Sarjandi, said they had rescued passengers, the skipper and a crew member.

"We brought the survivors to Kendari," said Sarjandi, adding the skipper and crew members of KM Sarliana Indah have been held for further questioning.

The other survivors, who were rescued by fishing boats, were taken to Laonti district. (JP)

Sunda Kelapa: The no-frills favorite

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

It was not yet noon, but the Friday morning heat was such that a group of men had tied shirts around their heads in addition to their caps to protect them from sunburn.

Covered in white dust, the men loaded sacks of cement from a cargo truck into a traditional schooner.

This activity -- a daily routine at the port -- attracted Yannick and Mona, a French couple, strolling along the dock which has a capacity to accommodate 70 schooners.

Photographing and discussing the work, they were also impressed with the long line of vessels with uniquely pointed prows and colorful decorations mooring at Sunda Kelapa Port in North Jakarta.

Sunda Kelapa is the city's most historical port, renowned for phinisi schooners, the traditional vessels of the Bugis people of Sulawesi, still used to deliver goods around the archipelago.

An Australian couple, Pat and Jenny, who had been in the country for one week, were also fascinated by the boats.

"We have wooden boats back in Australia, but they're not like these ones," Pat said.

The phinisi ships at Sunda Kelapa are wooden vessels around 40 meters long and 15 meters wide, with two main masts with seven sails each. The boats have diesel engines they can use alternately with the sails. They can carry up to 950 tons of cargo, which varies from cement and timber, to electronic devices and appliances.

The schooners transport goods across the archipelago, but mainly to Batam island or Pontianak in Kalimantan.

The journey takes up to three full days. Some may return laden with timber from Kalimantan but most return empty to Sunda Kelapa to reload.

John (not his real name), a British man, who for 13 years has been coming to Jakarta for business, said he finds the harbor unique.

"This place offers something very traditional and very Indonesian. The boats are remarkable. You can't find them anywhere else in the world," he said.

Sunda Kelapa's history dates back to the 12th century, when it was the most important harbor of the Pajajaran Kingdom (the area now known as West Java), with trading ships from China, southern India, Japan and the Middle East.

In the 15th century it became the source of a conflict. The port was conquered by Fatahillah on June 22, 1527, marking the birth of Jakarta.

Tanjung Priok, a far more modern harbor not far from Sunda Kelapa, was constructed by the Dutch in 1873 and became one of the most prominent seaports in the country, but Sunda Kelapa maintains activity.

For something different, tourists can take a boat ride across the Dutch-made canal.

Despite being popular among foreign visitors, Sunda Kelapa is not a favorite tourist destination for locals, who prefer modern entertainment centers and shopping malls.

While the area does not see many local tourists, Basri, a 50-year-old Buginese man who takes people across the harbor in his small boat every day, said over the Idul Fitri holidays more visitors had come.

"During the holidays I made more money," he said.

Basri, usually charges locals between Rp 6,000 and Rp 10,000 (US$1), and foreigners Rp 25,000 to Rp 30,000 a trip.

As part of Jakarta's old city, the harbor attracts both locals and foreigners with its schooners, but lacks tourism infrastructure.

Attended parking is available for cars but not for motorcycles.

Tourists are permitted onto schooners to get a look at the old sturdy wooden decks or a feel for the seafaring atmosphere, but first must climb a one-meter high concrete dock curb before reaching the ship.

Sunda Kelapa may serve as a loading and storage facility, but it is not tourist friendly.

Except for warehouses and a stock piling area there's not much more for tourists to see on the dock, which is poorly maintained and partly flooded with seawater.

There are no proper restaurants at Sunda Kelapa either, only street vendors selling cigarettes, peanuts and drinks.

Toilets, another vital facility, are nowhere to be found.

The poor condition of the harbor is a concern for some tourists, like John, even though he enjoys Sunda Kelapa's uniqueness.

"It's just too bad. It has so much potential. There is so much that could be done to the place."

Eight countries discuss enhanced cooperation on Malacca Strait in Manado

Manado (ANTARA News) - Eight countries met on Tuesday in Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi, to discus cooperation in increasing shipping safety, security and marine environmental protection.

Entitled Pre-Project Coordination Committee Meeting, the gathering held at Sedona Hotel of Manado discuss steps to be taken following the Singapore meeting of September 4-6, 2007 which had set a cooperation mechanism between littoral states and countries using the Malacca Strait and stakeholders.

The eight countries participating in the tripartite technical experts group on shipping safety the Malacca Strait are Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore as littoral countries, and Australia, China, Japan, South Korea and the US the countries using the waterway.

Opened by sea transportation director general of the transportation ministry H Harijogi, the meeting was sponsored by three international maritime organizations, namely Nippon Foundation, Malacca Strait Council and Nippon Maritime Center.

Harijogi said earlier that three meetings had been held for which six projects were offered to the relevant countries using the Malacca strait and stakeholders.

The six projects proposed by Malaysia include salvage of sunken vessels from the sea bed, and protection of Malacca and Singapore straits from dangerous and hazardous contamination.

In addition, the use of automatic identification system for B class against non-convention vessels using the waterway, arrangement of waves, currents and air measurement system.

In the meantime, Indonesia proposed the change and maintenance of shipping traffic along the Malacca and Singapore Straits and change of support shipping facilities damaged by the tsunami.

North Sulawesi Governor Sarundajang in his written address read out by the provincial administration secretary Robby Mamuaya said the appointment of North Sulawesi as venue of the meeting was a big honor for the region.

"However, Manado is inseparable from Bitung seaport known with its standard depth for a hub port and maritime potentials with unique aspects," the governor said.

Customs patrol boat arrests three vessels carrying illegal rice & sugar from S`pore

Karimun, Riau Islands (ANTARA News) - A Riau Islands customs patrol boat intercepted and arrested three vessels on Monday carrying illegal rice and sugar from Singapore.

The three boats were KM Pulau Mas Jaya 1, KM Sukses Abadi and KM Ikemi Mandiri.

"The three vessels are being escorted to Ketapang port for further investigation," Chief of Investigations and Legal Action of the Riau Islands Service Office Syafrizal said at his office on Tuesday.

He further explained that in the beginning, the Customs patrol boat 15020 at 3.30 p.m local time arrested KM Pulau Mas Jaya 1 in the waters of Batu Berlubang Island, Moro subdistrict, Karimun regency, for carrying 12 tons of rice and 5 tons of sugar from Singapore with Dabo Singkep as destination.

Later on the same day at 7 p.m the customs patrol boat intercepted and arrested KM Sukses Abadi in Jang Island waters, Moro subdistrict, for carrying 1,200 50-kg sacks of rice, and 650 25-kg sacks of sugar.

Still on the same day but at 7.15 p.m., the customs patrol boat also arrested KM Ikemi Mandiri in Tukong Hiu waters, Karimun Besar Island, for carrying 25 tons of illegal rice and 5 tons of sugar from Singapore destined for Dabo Singkep.

Rising Seas Threaten 21 Mega-Cities

Guardian United, Saturday October 20, 2007 7:31 PM

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) - Cities around the world are facing the danger of rising seas and other disasters related to climate change.

Of the 33 cities predicted to have at least 8 million people by 2015, at least 21 are highly vulnerable, says the Worldwatch Institute.

They include Dhaka in Bangladesh; Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro; Shanghai and Tianjin in China; Alexandria and Cairo in Egypt; Mumbai and Kolkata in India; Jakarta in Indonesia; Tokyo and Osaka-Kobe in Japan; Lagos in Nigeria; Karachi in Pakistan; Bangkok in Thailand, and New York and Los Angeles in the United States, according to studies by the United Nations and others.

More than one-tenth of the world's population, or 643 million people, live in low-lying areas at risk from climate change, say U.S. and European experts. Most imperiled, in descending order, are China, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, Egypt, the U.S., Thailand and the Philippines.

Status of Berhala island to be decided in late October

Jambi (ANTARA News) - The status of Berhala Island`s ownership will be decided by the central government through the home ministry in late October, 2007.

Jambi Governor Drs H Zulkifli Nurdin said here that the home ministry will soon issue a decision on the ownership status of the Island in late October after discussing it with the House`s Commission II in meetings with Jambi and Riau Islands administration authorities.

"Either our side (Jambi) or Riau island province during the meeting with the officials of home ministry and the House`s Commission II will also handed over documents on the history of the island`s ownership to East Tanjung Jabung district in Jambi.

Berhala island which is only 12 miles from Muara Sabak, the capital of East Tanjung Jabung district and becomes a tomb of Datuk Paduko Berhala, who was the first Jambi King during the Malay kingdom.

This island had since 1990 dragged Jambi and Riau islands into a dispute which eventually caused the central government to intervene and declared a status quo for island.

Zulkifli was optimistic that Berhala Island would be restored to Jambi as it belonged to the people of Jambi.

Coast guard argument continues

Desy Nurhayati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Legislators are still debating the necessity of a separate coast guard to secure the country's vast seas.

Yusron Ihza Mahendra, deputy chairman of House of Representatives Commission I for security and defense, said the country needed a separate force from the Navy.

"A separate coast guard is necessary to guard our maritime territory, considering the massive losses we have suffered from sea piracy, illegal fishing and other crimes at the sea," Yusron told The Jakarta Post.

"Indonesia could learn from other countries that have set up coast guards. We need to learn how to coordinate between the coast guard, the Navy and other already-established maritime bodies, to prevent an overlapping of duties."

The number of piracy cases worldwide has increased by 14 percent in 2007, according to a recent report from the International Maritime Body.

During the first nine months of the year there were 198 cases, up from 174 in the same period last year. Most of these incidents happened in the waters of Somalia and Nigeria.

The vital Strait of Malacca -- shared by Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia as littoral states -- has seen a decrease in pirate attacks on ships passing through one of the world's busiest waterways.

Malaysia established its own coast guard, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, in February 2005. The agency began official patrols in November 2005.

Yusron, who is from Crescent Star Party (PBB), said the decrease in the number of piracy cases in the Strait of Malacca was a result of cooperation between Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia in patrolling the waterway.

He said it also pointed to stepped up efforts by the Indonesian Navy to patrol the area.

The Navy is operating more patrol vessels and has installed a number of sea radars and long-range cameras in cooperation with Malaysia and Singapore.

However, legislator Djoko Susilo of the National Mandate Party (PAN) says the country cannot financially afford to establish a separate coast guard.

"The establishment of a coast guard is a good idea, but it is impossible with our limited defense budget, and we can not rely on assistance from other countries," Djoko told the Post.

"What we should do now is to make the already-established agencies more effective. We might have a separate coast guard in the future if our defense technology has improved."

Military analyst J. Kristiadi from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies agreed with Djoko, saying the country did not need a coast guard.

"We just need to maximize the Navy and other agencies in charge of guarding our maritime zones," he told the Post.

"If we could fulfill at least 75 percent of the minimum defense needs, we would have a better defense system."

In addition to establishing a separate coast guard, Yusron said it was necessary to draft a law allocating a portion of the proceeds from confiscated goods and vessels from crimes at sea to help finance the Navy.

"The law could stipulate that half of the proceeds goes to the state while the rest goes to the Navy to improve its systems," he said.

Bali earns US$41 mln from tuna exports

Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA News) - Bali earned a total of US$41 million from tuna exports from January to August 2007, a sharp increase from the US$24.7 million it gained during the same period last year.

The value of fresh and frozen tuna exports during the eight- month period in 2007 had surged by 66 percent, Ni Wayan Kusumawathi of the Bali provincial trade and industry office said here on Friday.

From January to August 2007, Bali exported a total of 11,952 tons of fresh and frozen tuna, up by 85 percent from 6,462 tons in the same period of last year, she said.

The average price of exported tuna from Bali had actually dropped from US$3.8 per kg to US$3.5 per kg, she said.

Bali has 700 long-line fishing boats at Benoa harbor, which is located around 15 km south of Denpasar, Bali`s provincial capital.

Bali exported tuna among other things to Japan, the United States, China and Taiwan.

Apart from tuna, Bali also exports various kinds of aquatic products, such as ornamental fish, crabs, milkfish, lobster and shark`s fins.

She said that aquatic product businessmen in Bali were facing several problems especially due to the increased fuel prices and unfavorable government policies.

Boat tips in eastern Indonesia, leaving 15 dead

The Jakarta Post

JAKARTA (AP): A crowded passenger boat capsized in eastern Indonesia, killing at least 15 people, with several others possibly missing, officials said. More than 60 people survived the accident.

Local police chief Mochammad Badrus said survivors reported that the Acita III tipped after scores of passengers suddenly climbed to its upper deck to try and get mobile phone signals as it closed in on land.

Badrus said 146 people were on board when it tipped close to Buton island late Thursday, while another official, Harijogi, the director general of sea transportation at the transport ministry, put the number of passengers and crew at 82.

Such discrepancies are common in Indonesia, where passenger manifests are not accurately kept.

There was also disagreement as to the number of dead and missing.

Badrus said rescuers had found at least 26 bodies, while 120 people survived the accident, 40 of whom were receiving hospital treatment.

Harijogi said 15 people were killed, six were still missing and the remainder of those on board had been rescued.

Ferries are a main source of transportation in Indonesia, a vast archipelago of more than 17,000 islands with a population of 220 million. Overcrowding and poorly enforced safety standards mean accidents are common.

Police patrol boat explodes in Aceh, four injured

Banda Aceh (ANTARA News) - A patrol boat of the Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) police exploded at sea somewhere between Sabang island and Banda Aceh, injuring four policemen on Thursday.

The boat exploded on Thursday at around 10.30 am Western Indonesian Time, an officer at the Ulee Lhue Police office said.

The injured policemen were rushed to a nearby hospital, he said without giving further details.

RI forms new courts to fight illegal fishing

Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan

The government has established fishery courts in Jakarta, North Sumatra, West Kalimantan, North Sulawesi and Maluku.

The five fishery courts will make use of a number of court rooms in the district courts in North Jakarta, Medan, Pontianak, Bitung and Tual, the regency capital of Southeast Maluku, Maluku, until their official buildings are completed.

The fishery courts, which are based on Article 71 of the 2004 Fishery law, will be led by a team of judges, comprising of a presiding judge and two ad hoc justices.

Prosecutions will be carried out by prosecutors who have been trained in the field of fishery.

Twenty-eight ad hoc justices will be tasked to hear fishery cases, along with 90 prosecutors.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Bagir Manan said while officially launching the courts at Medan District Court in North Sumatra earlier this month that they were set up based on several considerations, including economic factors.

He said the country lost trillions of rupiah each year due to illegal fishing in Indonesian waters.

The country, he said, seemed helpless in facing foreign trawlers which were apparently "free to roam and steal marine riches".

"We will drag the foreign fishermen involved in illegal fishing to the fishery courts. I'm positive the courts will be able to uphold the country's sea sovereignty," said Bagir in his speech at Medan District Court.

He said he would not turn a blind eye to district court rulings that handed down lenient sentences or pardoned the accused.

Bagir said the presence of five fishery courts in five provinces was a novelty in the country, while Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Freddy Numberi said it was possibly a world first.

Bagir said the country has set up special trade, human rights, corruption and industrial relations courts, while an environmental court and an agriculture court are still in the planning stages.

Freddy said the ministry looked forward to assisting the court in resolving widespread illegal fishing by foreign vessels.

"We actually want every foreign fishing vessel caught operating illegally within our waters to be immediately sunk without going to trial, so as to deter them.

"But, as the law prohibits that, we hope every illegal fishing case committed by foreigners can be handled promptly by the courts, so we can make use of their vessels for training at fishery schools across the country," said Freddy.

He said his office was still examining around 1,600 fishing boats it had seized recently, 100 of which were foreign vessels.

"The state incurs losses to the tune of Rp 30 trillion every year. This is an extraordinary figure, so that's why we should protect our seas from acts of illegal fishing, and one way is through the fishery court," Freddy told The Jakarta Post.

Berlian acquires Chembulk Tankers

JAKARTA (The Jakarta Post) : Publicly listed shipping company PT Berlian Laju Tanker (BLT) has acquired Marshall Islands-based chemical tanker company Chembulk Tankers LLC, through its subsidiary Asean Maritime Corporation.

Director of BLT, Kevin Wong, said Wednesday in a statement to the Jakarta Stock Exchange that the cost of the acquisition was US$850 million.

He said the purchase made BLT the third largest chemical tanker operator in the world with 54 ships with a total capacity of 820,600 deadweight tons (DWT).

Chembulk now operates 16 double-hull ships capable of carrying a total of 397,200 DWT. It plans to add three more ships by 2009, which will increase its total capacity to 468,200 DWT.

Scientists bring back potentially new species from Philippine waters

The Jakarta Post

MANILA (AP): U.S. and Philippine scientists may have discovered new marine species in the world's most biologically diverse region, their expedition leader said Tuesday.

Dr. Larry Madin, who led the Inner Space Speciation Project in the Celebes Sea south of the Philippines, said scientists had been to one of the world's deep ocean basins in search of organisms that may have been isolated there for millions of years.

Madin, of the Massachusetts-based Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, or WHOI, said the Celebes Sea is at the heart of the "coral triangle" bordered by the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia - a region recognized by scientists as having the greatest degree of biological diversity of the coral reef community of fish and other marine life.

The deepest part of the Celebes Sea is 5,000 meters. The team was able to explore to a depth of 2,800 meters using a remotely operated camera.

"This is probably the center where many of the species evolved and spread to other parts of the ocean, so it's going back to the source in many ways," he told a group of journalists, government officials, students and U.S. Ambassador Kristie Kenney and her staff.

Madin led the project that involved WHOI and National Geographic Magazine in cooperation with the Philippine government, which also provided the exploration ship.

The expedition included over two dozen U.S. and Philippine Scientists and a group from National Geographic, including underwater photographer Emory Kristof who teamed with noted underwater explorer Robert Ballard of WHOI in 1985 to find the wreckage of the Titanic.

The team returned to Manila on Tuesday after spending about two weeks in the Celebes Sea off Tawi-Tawi, the Philippines southernmost provincial archipelago, about 1,100 kilometers south of Manila.

Madin said they had collected about 100 different specimens, including several possibly newly discovered species. One was a sea cucumber that is nearly transparent which could swim by bending its elongated body. Another was an unusually black jellyfish that was found near the bottom of the sea. But the most striking creature they found was a spiny orange-colored worm that had 10 tentacles like a squid, he said.

"We don't know what it is ... it might be something new," he said.

He said it would take "a few more weeks" of research in the United States to determine whether the species they have brought back are newly discovered. He expects to release a report by early next month.

Madin said the Celebes Sea, being surrounded by islands and shallow reefs, is partially isolated from the rest of the world's oceans and may have been more isolated millions of years ago, leading scientists to believe that "there may be groups of organisms that have been contained and kept within" the basin since then.

"That makes it an interesting place to go and look to see what we might find," he said.

Indonesia remains world's most piracy hotspot

The Jakarta Post

KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Maritime pirate attacks worldwide shot up 14 percent in the first nine months of 2007 from a year earlier, with Somalia and Nigeria showing among the biggest increases, an international watchdog said Tuesday.

A total of 198 attacks on ships were reported between January and September this year, up from 174 in the same period in 2006, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) said.

Indonesia remained the world's worst piracy hotspot, with 37 attacks in the first nine months of 2007 - but this was an improvement from 40 in the same period a year earlier, the IMB said.

Attacks rose drastically in Somalia to 26 reported cases, up from only 8 a year earlier, it said. Nigeria also suffered 26 attacks so far this year, up from 9 previously, it added.

It said a total of 15 vessels were hijacked, 63 crew kidnapped and three killed.

In the July-Sept. quarter alone, there were 72 incidents, up from 47 in the same period a year earlier, marking the second straight quarterly rise in attacks, the London-based IMB said through its piracy reporting center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

"If this current trend continues, it would appear that the decline in piracy attacks since 2004 has bottomed out," it warned.

IMB director Pottengal Mukundan urged ships to stay as far as possible from the coasts of Somalia and Nigeria, which remained very dangerous with large numbers of violent kidnappings.

"The level of violence in high risk areas remain unacceptable. Pirates in Somalia are operating with impunity, seizing vessels hundreds of miles off the coast and holding the vessel and crew to ransom, making no attempt to hide their activity," he said.

Only four attacks were reported in the Malacca Strait this year, compared to 8 in the same period in 2006, thanks to increased cooperation between states straddling the waterway, the IMB said.

All fishing boats required to carry monitoring device next year

Manado, North Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - Starting March 2008, all fishing boats operating in Indonesia`s territorial waters must carry a device for the monitoring of their positions, a naval official said.

The government will revoke the operational permit of any fishing boat that still lacks the device after March 2008, Commodore Edy Jusuf, commander of the Navy`s Manado base, said here Monday.

"The device will make it easier for the Search and Rescue (SAR) Agency to do its job in emergencies. Many new fishing boats in North Sulawesi are already using the device," he said.

Old fishing boats had asked the local administration for time until March 2008 to install the monitoring device.

Four Indonesian nationals among abducted fishermen in Somalia

The Jakarta Post

SEOUL (AP): Talks between a South Korean shipowner and Somali pirates who abducted 24 of his crew have stalled on the size of the ransom being demanded by their captors, a South Korean official said Monday.

Four South Korean fishermen were aboard two South Korean-owned vessels along with 20 other crew of various nationalities when they were seized off Somalia on May 15. The 20 other crew comprised 10 Chinese, three Vietnamese, three Indian and four Indonesian nationals.

The shipowner, Ahn Hyun-su, has been holding direct talks with the Somali pirates to secure their release since, according to South Korean officials.

"As far as we know, negotiations are under way with a focus on their ransom payment, but a final progress has not been reported as differences on the amount (of money) is big," presidential spokesman Cheon Ho-seon told reporters.

"The government is providing various intelligence and other things that could help the negotiation procedures, but we cannot disclose details."

According to some South Korean media reports, the Somali pirates have been demanding between US$700,000 and US$1 million in ransom, and the shipowner has been appealing for the South Korean government to help pay the money.

In a press release Sunday, South Korea's Foreign Ministry reiterated that it does not pay terrorist organizations for the release of hostages, fearing that doing so would encourage more kidnappings.

They would most likely be freed together with the South Korean fishermen if the South Koreans are released, said a South Korean Foreign Ministry official who refused to give his name, saying he is not authorized to speak to the media.

Somalia lies close to crucial shipping routes connecting the Red Sea with the Indian Ocean, where valuable cargo and carriers must pass.

Somalia has had no effective government since 1991, when warlords ousted a dictatorship and then turned on each other. The country's 3,000-kilometer coastline makes it difficult to prevent attacks.

Somali pirates are trained fighters, often dress in military fatigues, using speedboats equipped with satellite phones and Global Positioning System equipment. They are typically armed with automatic weapons, anti-tank rocket launchers and various types of grenades, according to the U.N. Monitoring Group on Somalia.

Last year, another South Korean fishing vessel was captured off Somalia and released three months later after a ransom of more than US$800,000 was paid.

Grimsby opens up tuna route from Indonesia

Published: 11 October, 2007

Mike Dillon, fishupdate.com

TUNA and other types of seafood from waters around the Indonesian Islands could soon be marketed directly into Grimsby, thanks to a new international initiative.

Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education has been working closely with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries in Indonesia to try to establish a seafood corridor to the Humber. There are also thought to be similar possibilities with prawns and other types of shellfish.

That area of South East Asia has some of the richest tuna fishing grounds and there are also thought to be similar possibilities with prawns and other species of shellfish.

That ambition moved a stage further last week when the Institute, together with local business and the local council welcomed Indonesian government delegates to the town for the second time with the aim of driving forward a number of pilot projects and a new added value export strategy. Indonesia has a fleet of more than 730,000 fishing boats, although much of that figure is made up of small outboard motor craft. Most of the marine resources in the western part of Indonesian waters have been exploited intensively, while most resources in the eastern part still have room for development.

The main outcome was the setting up of a working group to examine the growing possibility of marketing tuna into the port. A research assistant has been seconded to the group to help with the pilot, which will also look at establishing value added seafood supply chains.

Grimsby Institute hopes that by developing this seafood trade corridor vision, new links can be established between Grimsby fishing companies with their counterparts in Indonesia. More than 60 people were at the South Humber port including officials from the United Nations and UK Trade and Investment.

The Indonesian delegation was led by Professor Dr Martani Huseini, director general of his country's Marine Affairs and Fisheries ministry and said: "The formation of this trade corridor will be extremely beneficial for all parties involved. Not only will our own supply chains be significantly strengthened, but I believe the range and reliability of products available to the British market through Grimsby will improve.

Grimsby Institute's Professor Mike Dillon said it was important to develop trade links at an international level. He added: "We will work with the Indonesian government and their industry to enhance process efficiency and logistics through a programme to improve workforce competency and traceability systems.

www.fishupdate.com is published by Special Publications. Special Publications also publish FISHupdate magazine, Fish Farmer, the Fish Industry Yearbook, the Scottish Seafood Processors Federation Diary, the Fish Farmer Handbook and a range of wallplanners.

Merak port packed with holiday makers

The Jakarta Post

MERAK, Banten (JP): With Idul Fitri fast approaching, the number of holidaymakers crossing the Sunday Strait between Java and Sumatra increased dramatically Thursday.

“The number of ferry passengers rose to 51,556 from 35,665 on Wednesday, and the number of cars rose to 8,188 from 3,313,” Merak port operational manager Endin Juhaendi told the Jakarta Post.

The number of passengers jumped 66 percent compared to Wednesday, he said.

"Officials at Bakeuheni port in Lampung said the number of passengers crossing to Merak will reach its peak today and tomorrow," Endin added.

The Post observed that roads heading to Merak from Cilegon was heavily congested.

Traffic was worse on the Jakarta-Merak toll road, as many people headed for the beach resorts in Carita, Florida, Kelapa Tujuh and Salira Indah.

Endangered turtles wash ashore Malaysia after Indonesia earthquakes

The Jakarta Post

KUALA LUMPUR (AP): About 50 endangered sea turtles have washed ashore with logs and debris in Malaysia, possibly due to strong currents after recent earthquakes in Indonesia, an official said Monday.

Two of the hawksbill turtles, which landed Saturday on muddy Kuala Tunjang beach in the northwestern state of Kedah, were found dead, while four others were injured and being treated, said state fisheries director Sani Mohamad Isa.

The rest of the turtles have been released into the sea, Sani said.

He said that the logs and bamboo washed ashore with the turtles were not found in Malaysia, and that plastic water bottles and shampoo containers in the debris had Indonesian labels.

"We believe the logs are from Indonesia" and washed over to Kedah by strong currents following recent tremors in Indonesia, he said.

Indonesia's Sumatra island, separated from peninsular Malaysia's west coast by the narrow Strait of Malacca, has been rattled by a series of strong earthquakes that killed nearly two dozen people last month.

Sani said this was the first time hawksbill turtles have been found in Kuala Tunjang, although some had nested in other parts of the state some years ago. He said he could not tell if the turtles came from Indonesia.

Malaysia and Indonesian shores are popular nesting sites for the hawksbill, a critically endangered tropical sea turtle with a sharp beak. The animals are hunted for their flesh and attractive shell.

Pirate ring leader caught in Cirebon

Cirebon (ANTARA News) - Long sought and feared pirate of tankers, merchant vessels as well as fishing boats in the Malacca Strait Rusli bin Abdulgani alias Wa`di, alias Irwansyah (37), was eventually caught at his rented house in Majasem, Karya Mulya village, Cirebon city, on Sunday at 5 p.m West Indonesia Time (WIB).

When the police stormed and broke into the former GAM commander`s hiding place, he tried to resist arrest, but was paralyzed after the police shot him in his thigh.

The wounded pirate was then rushed to the Gunung Jati hospital in Cirebon, but at 8.30 p.m he was taken by ambulance to the Dr Sukamto police hospital in Kramat Jati, South Jakarta.

According to Adjunct Police Commissioner Setiawan who led the raid, the suspect had already been followed for three weeks before the police moved in and caught him.

"The suspect had attacked and looted many vessels in the Malacca Strait, and was on the police wanted list for the last three years," he said.

A member of the police squad who preferred to remain anonymous said that the suspect has an extensive network covering Medan and Aceh, with oil tankers, merchant velssels and fishing boats as target.

"The privates also used to collect `security fees` from ship operators so that their ships would be left alone," he said.

When at hospital, he told the police guarding him that he attacked and looted only fishing boats with the loot sent to the GAM. In his latest action he said he took away a telex machine and computer from his victims, and sold them in Medan.

He also told his police investigators he stayed in Cirebon for three months to rent a house as well as a Honda City car with license plate B 8837 FP from a rent-a-car company.

But judging from his fancy way of living, the police suspected he had bought the car with the money from the sale of his loots.