On Thursday, April 28, 2005, the Captain of the Indonesian fishing boat "KM Gunung Mas Baru", Mr. Muhammad Heri, died on his boat during custody by the Australian authorities. The Indonesian Embassy in Canberra has requested Australian authorities for an explanation on the chronology of the event and the reason behind his death.

Mr. Muhammad Heri (born in Serang, March 12, 1968 from Probolinggo) along with nine of his shipmates were apprehended by Australian coast guards on April 18, 2005 for illegally entering Australian waters. While in custody, Mr. Muhammad Heri and his men were detained in their boats in Darwin.

The Indonesian Consulate in Darwin has directly contacted the family of Mr. Muhammad Heri in Probolinggo to infom them of his death and has received their permission to conduct an autopsy. The Consulate, upon the request of the family, has also requested Australian authorities to process the return of his remains to Indonesia as soon as possible and to report on the cause of death.

The Indonesian Embassy further requests that this event should not be repeated and that Australia should take appropriate steps to ensure that other detainees receive proper health care during their custody.

 

Canberra, 30 April 2005