The Australian Government categorically denies allegations raised in media reporting of involvement in an incident resulting in the death of an Indonesian fisher on 22 August 2022.
The Australian Government’s efforts to combat illegal fishing activities are led by Maritime Border Command (MBC) – a joint-agency taskforce comprising officers from the Australian Border Force and the Australian Defence Force.
MBC has no record of any interactions that have resulted in the use of force, the drawing or discharging of firearms, or the death of any Indonesian fishers encountered by MBC force-assigned personnel or assets during the alleged timeframe.
MBC confirms there have been no recent joint patrols or activities of any nature with Papua New Guinea in that area.
The Australian Government is committed to maintaining its strong relationship with our partners in the Indonesian Government, and both countries are committed to protecting our maritime environments and keeping our borders secure.
