In response to media queries, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) is aware of news articles and a video published by Indonesian fishermen who were fishing in Singapore Territorial Waters (STW) adjacent to Tuas on 24 December 2024. The Police Coast Guard (PCG) took appropriate enforcement action in response to this encroachment by the fishermen.
The facts of the incident are as follows:
- On 24 December 2024 from about 8.45am, PCG officers observed several Indonesian fishing vessels entering and exiting STW multiple times. As such, PCG deployed its boats in the vicinity to deter and stop unauthorised vessels from entering STW.
- At about 1.20pm, PCG officers spotted that two out of a group of five Indonesian fishing vessels had entered STW further and was heading due northwest towards Tuas View Extension.
- A PCG boat intercepted the two fishing vessels to prevent them from further encroaching into STW.
- PCG officers then engaged the fishermen on board the fishing vessels in STW and advised them to leave as unauthorised vessels were prohibited from entering the area. They eventually acceded and left STW at about 1.40pm.
- Foreign vessels should comply with the instructions of Singapore Authorities when in STW.
- PCG will continue to execute its duties within STW in a professional and safe manner.
The Singapore Consulate in Batam has engaged various Indonesian stakeholders on this incident, at their requests, and will continue doing so.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
02 January 2025 @ 8:00 PM
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
02 January 2025 @ 8:00 PM