Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the Government of Malaysia in respect of the common guidelines concerning treatment of fishermen by maritime law enforcement agencies of Malaysia and the Republic of Indonesia.

This Memorandum of Understanding, whose application concerns unresolved maritime boundary areas between the Parties, establishes Common Guidelines concerning the treatment of fishermen, their wellbeing and activities related to fisheries issues agreed between Indonesia and Malaysia. The Guidelines respect the following principles: maintenance of good relations and close cooperation between the two countries; avoidance of the use of force and violence in the actions of marine law enforcement; respect of existing bilateral agreements on maritime boundaries and of issues of sovereignty; impartial treatment towards fishermen in accordance with their fundamental human rights. The Guidelines define the following activities the Parties agreed to carry out: dissemination of information to the fishermen and other fisheries industry stakeholders; inspections and related notifications towards all fishing boats, except for those using illegal fishing gears. The Memorandum provide for: the identification of competent coordinating agencies; the participation of third Parties; confidentiality of information; suspension of implementation; revision, modification and amendment of the Memorandum; the settlement of any disputes through mutual consultation or negotiations; entry into force, duration and termination.