Indonesian Fishermen Return Home
The two Indonesian fishermen were alleged to have been exploited on an Asian-owned Fijian-flagged fishing vessel.
Friday 29 January 2021 | 12:07
The two Indonesian fishers Damayana (left) and Febriyanto at the Nadi International Airport on January 28, 2021. Photo: Mereleki Nai
There was a great sigh of relief for the two Indonesian fishermen, Damayana and Febriyanto after they boarded the repatriation Garuda Indonesia Flight GA9820 yesterday.
The two Indonesian fishermen were alleged to have been exploited on an Asian-owned Fijian-flagged fishing vessel.
A report by the Human Rights at Sea released on January 16 stated the duo were abandoned in the Suva Port and were not paid their wages.
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Damayana, 39, said he couldn’t wait to see his two children.
“We could not support our families back home because of the situation we faced here,” he said.
“But I am happy that the matter has been resolved. We have received our allowance and I just can’t wait to see my family.”
Febriyanto, 23, said: “We will miss Fiji.
“Now we will leave behind us all that happened and focus on heading home.
“I urge the seafarer agency in China to please take good care of their workers.”
The two fishermen acknowledged the Fijian people, the embassy and the Government for taking good care of them and ensuring that they would be back home with their families.
Edited by Selita Rabuku
Feedback: mereleki.nai@fijisun.com.fj
