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S’pore deeply concerned over prolonged detention of boat captain in Indonesia

SINGAPORE — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said it is “deeply concerned with the long-drawn judicial process” related to a Singaporean fishing boat captain who has been detained in an Indonesian jail since Apr 16 last year, and could be held further because a third set of charges may be pressed against him.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore masthead. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore masthead. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore

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SINGAPORE — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said it is “deeply concerned with the long-drawn judicial process” related to a Singaporean fishing boat captain who has been detained in an Indonesian jail since Apr 16 last year, and could be held further because a third set of charges may be pressed against him.

Shoo Chiau Huat, 51, was remanded by the Indonesian authorities and charged with illegal fishing and trespassing initially. But he was acquitted by the Tanjung Pinang Court on July 11 last year.

Yet he was detained for almost three more months, before the Indonesian authorities filed new charges of immigration offences against him on Oct 5 last year. Shoo was convicted of these offences on Jan 17 and fined 50 million rupiah, or a five-month jail term in lieu.

In a press statement on Friday (Jan 20), an MFA spokesman said: “However, we understand that Mr Shoo is not allowed to leave Indonesia even if he pays the fine, as there is the possibility of another round of new charges being brought against him by the Tanjung Pinang District Attorney’s Office, which could result in him being further detained and/or tried again in Indonesia.”

TODAY understands that this third round of charges could be in relation to the violation of sailing regulations. 

Shoo was ferrying 13 recreational anglers on the MV Serlin last year when his boat was stopped by Indonesian Navy boats off Bintan Island for trespassing. All his passengers were deported a week later, but Mr Shoo was charged with illegal fishing in Indonesian waters, with the prosecutors seeking a two-year jail sentence and a 1.5 billion rupiah fine.

The second set of charges pressed against Shoo came under the 2011 Immigration Law. He was accused of entering Indonesian territory without inspection by immigration officers at a checkpoint, and for being responsible for the means of transportation that entered Indonesian territory without going through immigration checkpoints.

Shoo’s lawyer reportedly advised him against paying the fine after learning that the Navy would hold on to his passport while they conducted a separate investigation against him.

In its statement on Friday, the MFA said close contact with the Indonesian authorities have been maintained since Shoo was first detained “to ensure that he is accorded his legal rights under Indonesian law”.

A spokesman added: “The Singapore Government respects the laws and judicial process of Indonesia.  However, we are deeply concerned about the long-drawn judicial process related to Mr Shoo’s case, and his prolonged detention in the interim. 

“We will continue to reiterate to the relevant Indonesian authorities that Mr Shoo’s case be processed expeditiously, so that he can return to Singapore without unnecessary delay. Officers from MFA and the Singapore Consulate in Batam will also continue to render all necessary consular assistance to Mr Shoo and his family.”    

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