The latest online consular meeting represents the fourth of its kind conducted by the Vietnamese Embassy in Indonesia and is held amid complicated developments relating to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

During the meeting, delegates from the Vietnamese Embassy suggested that the Pontianak Detention Center ensure that proper living conditions and spiritual life were maintained for the fishermen, especially in relation to their health in an effort to prevent the potential spread of the virus.

A representative from the detention centre said that they had asked the fishermen to strictly comply with medical regulations such as wearing a face mask, regularly washing their hands, and maintaining a high level of personal hygiene.

The Embassy has also actively encouraged the fishermen on measures to take whilst giving them recommendations relating to epidemic prevention. At present, both countries have yet to resume regular commercial flights, whilst the Embassy is making every effort in order to be able to reopen flights back to the nation for Vietnamese citizens, including the group of fishermen.

A representative of the fishermen speaking on behalf of the group, said their living conditions were guaranteed. Indeed, they are all remaining healthy, with no one showing any symptoms of fever, whilst the group are strictly abiding by medical regulations regarding disease prevention set out by the detention centre.

The fishermen also offered their thanks to the State and the Embassy for helping some of the fishermen return home on repatriation flights, while expressing their hope that the Vietnamese Embassy and Indonesian authorities will help them to return to home as soon as possible.

This comes after the Vietnamese Embassy made an online consular visit in June to the fishermen during their detention at Batam Camp in the province of Riau Islands, the second biggest detention facility in Indonesia where the majority of the Vietnamese fishermen are being detained.          

According to statistics, since the beginning of the year, Indonesian authorities have arrested a total of 283 Vietnamese fishermen. Therefore, the Vietnamese Embassy in Indonesia is working alongside both domestic agencies and those of the host nation to verify identity, and take necessary protective measures, whilst they have already sent a total of 108 fishermen home.