Sea curfew is imposed to fend off Indonesian infiltrators

At the height of the Indonesian-Malaysian Konfrontasi (or Confrontation,1963–1966), the coastlines of Singapore were closely guarded to prevent possible landings by Indonesian insurgents and infiltrators.^[1] Fishermen in Singapore, in particular those living on the southern islands, were the hardest hit by the tightened security as they had to observe a government sea curfew that prevented them from fishing at night.^[2] Aimed at stopping all fishing activities and local small craft movement from dusk to dawn, Singapore's first sea curfew was activated on 13 August 1964. Indonesian vessels that arrived for the barter trade in Singapore were, however, banned round-the-clock. The sea curfew also meant that for the first time in probably 300 years, the famed Bugis fleet that turned up annually from Celebes (now known as Sulawesi) for the traditional barter trade did not call at Singapore.^[3]

The government's sweeping restrictions were preceded by hostile attacks and harassment by Indonesian gunboats on Malayan fishermen at sea.^[4] On 30 April 1964, two Malay fishermen were kidnapped by Indonesians in two gunboats while fishing off Tanjong Piai.^[5] A more punitive crime was committed by Indonesian gunboats in October that same year when 12 fishermen were kidnapped, 43 others robbed and 25 boats seized.^[6] As early as 1963, the Sukarno regime had issued a hard-line order to Indonesian gunboats to destroy any Malayan craft caught within the 12-mile territorial limit. A shoot-to-kill order was also given to Indonesian gunboats on their citizens arriving at Malaysia to trade, which usually, however, led to the seizure of the traders' goods instead.^[7] Singapore marine guards and navy patrol offered some protection to Malayan fishermen during these dangerous times.^[8] The Singapore government also distributed foodstuffs such as rice and noodles as a form of relief to the affected fishermen who had suffered a loss of income due to the sea curfew.^[9]

The sea curfew was lifted on the afternoon of 22 August 1966, sparking spontaneous joy among the hundreds of Malay and Chinese fishermen on the island. The lifting of the curfew was even regarded by one fisherman as the biggest milestone since Singapore’s independence.^[10]

References
1. Peries, B. (1964, August 22). A well-guarded island. The Straits Times, p. 8; Tests to come. (1964, November 10). The Straits Times, p. 10. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
2. Sam, J., & Kok, A. C. (1964, August 15). Security ring is tightened round Singapore island. The Straits Times, p. 24; Abul Fazil. (1966, August 24). Mid-sea joy as the curfew is lifted. The Straits Times, p. 8; More aid for hard-hit fishermen of Siglap. (1965, September 17). The Straits Times, p. 6. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
3. Barter ban is on: Patrols turn back 30 Indonesian boats. (1964, August 14). The Straits Times, p. 20. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
4. Fishing rights. (1963, March 9). The Straits Times, p. 8. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
5. Minister presents aid gifts to wives of missing fishermen. (1964, June 9). The Straits Times, p. 9. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
6. Piracy control. (1964, October 6). The Straits Times, p. 8. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
7. The Straits Times, 6 Oct 1964, p. 8; Jakarta gunboats turn to robbing Indonesian traders. (1964, May 4). The Straits Times, p. 8; Abdul Fazil. (1964, May 2). Gunboats boost action against Rhio trade. The Straits Times, p. 6. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
8. Frigate for R.M.N. due soon. (1964, July 19). The Straits Times, p. 9; The Straits Times, 10 Nov 1964, p. 10. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
9. The Straits Times, 17 Sep 1965, p. 6.
10. The Straits Times, 24 Aug 1966, p. 8.