Three fishing boats seized in conflict

PEKANBARU, Riau (Jakarta Post) : A long-running conflict between two groups of fishermen in Bengkalis regency, Riau, has led to the illegal seizure of three fishing boats and the detention of eight crew members.

The two groups of fishermen have for the last 10 years been involved in a quarrel over the use of trawling nets. During an incident two years ago three boats were set on fire.

This latest episode began Monday when the eight fishermen were seized by traditional fishermen in Teluk Tambang village.

The conflict centers on a policy issued by the Bengkalis Fishery Office, which allows the use of trawling nets four miles from the coastline.

Nets are not allowed within four miles of the coast because of the damage they can cause marine life.

Owners of the trawling nets, however, frequently ignore the ruling, and traditional fishermen blame them for destroying their fishing grounds near the coast.

A group of traditional fishermen captured seized the three fishing boats and detained the eight crew members on Monday. As of Tuesday, police were continuing to negotiate for the release of the detained fishermen.