Police Arrest Five East Lombok Fishermen in West Sumbawa

Sumbawa Barat — The West Nusa Tenggara Regional Police arrested five fishermen from East Lombok over alleged fish bombing in the waters of Teluk Belusing, Sumbawa Barat, according to reports published on Oct. 1 and Oct. 2. The men, identified by the initials SWL, RDW, SHR, BHR and FRM, are residents of Seriwe Village, Jerowaru district, East Lombok.

The arrests followed police inquiries into suspected fishing with homemade explosives. Investigators said the group travelled from Seriwe by sampan toward Sumbawa carrying fish bombs and nets. The men have been designated suspects and face a possible maximum sentence of 15 years in prison under provisions cited by police.

Why the arrests matter to visitors and foreign residents

Fish bombing is an environmental crime that can damage marine resources and coastal ecosystems. For visitors and foreign residents in West Nusa Tenggara, the case highlights that enforcement extends beyond beaches and resorts into offshore waters, including areas used for fishing and marine activities. The reports describe an allegation under investigation, not a finding that the suspects have been convicted.

The arrests were conducted by the Directorate of Marine and Air Police of the West Nusa Tenggara Regional Police, known in Indonesia as Ditpolairud Polda NTB. Police said the suspects were still being examined to determine each person’s role and to investigate the origin and use of the alleged explosive fishing equipment.

Reports cited Article 306 of Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code and, alternatively, fisheries provisions concerning prohibited fishing methods. The reported maximum penalty is 15 years’ imprisonment.

Sources

• detikBali — established regional news organisation
• iNews — established national news organisation
• us.headtopics.com