Become an International Issue, President Jokowi Asks the Report of Benjina Slavery Case

President Jokowi and Vice President Jusuf Kalla before starting the limited meeting, in the President Office, Jakarta, Tuesday (7/4)

Slavery case that occurred in the Aru Islands, Maluku, or more commonly known as Benjina case gets the attention of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in the meeting which addressed the issue of illegal fishing, in the office of President, Jakarta, Tuesday (7/4).

“On the issue of illegal fishing related with Benjina, this is not only become a national issue but also has become an international issue, and I ask to be reported later,” President Jokowi said.

The President accompanied by Vice President Jusuf Kalla reminded the importance of coordination between the ranks in the relevant ministries with the Center for Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK).

“So we really know about the illegal fishing data that must be followed, how the financial flows and financial data, so that the actions taken by the ministry on the facts that are used, and we want the seriousness of this passed,” the President said.

In a statement to the House Commission IV, Wednesday (1/4), the Minister of Marine and Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti said that her side had sent the Task Force of Anti-Illegal Fishing and Ministry of Maritime and Fisheries investigator to Aru to resolve cases of slavery in the Aru Islands.

Susie believes the commitment of the police (Polri) to dismantle the alleged slavery in Benjina derived from the Associated Press reports. “I think Polri are very committed. Because Polri is one of the elements in Anti-Illegal Fishing Task Force as well, “Susie said after a meeting with the House of Representatives.

Limited meeting to discuss issue of illegal fishing followed by Coordinating Minister for maritime Indroyono Susilo; Coordinating Minister for Politics, Legal, and Security Tedjo Edhi Purdijatno; Minister of State Secretary Pratikno; Cabinet Secretary Andi Widjajanto; Minister of Marine and Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti; Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi; Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yasonna H. Laoly; Commander TNI General Moeldoko, and Acting Chief of Police Commissioner General (Pol) Badrodin Haiti. (Humas Setkab/ES)