Again, Two Indonesian Nationals Kidnapped by Separatist Group in Waters off Sabah
South Sulawesi
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi informed that two Indonesian citizens once again were kidnapped by a separatist group in the waters off Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, on Saturday (5/11). Both Indonesians were working in two Malaysian boats, namely SSK 005 20F and SN 1154/4F vessels, led by an Indonesian captain from Buton, South Sulawesi.
Having received the information, according to the Foreign Minister, team at the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Kinabalu and Tawau as well as in Jakarta have moved forward to have more detailed information and also coordinated with the local authorities.
“On this day, I continue to monitor. Our team primarily from the KJRI in Kinabalu has already been in Sandakan, Sabah, to obtain more detailed information regarding the incident with the security authorities of Malaysia, the ship owner, and with six crewmen who are already free,” Retno told reporters after accompanying President Jokowi held a video conference, at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, on Sunday (6/11) afternoon.
This morning, Indonesian Foreign Minister admitted to have contacted the Philippines Presidential Special Adviser on peace issues particularly dealing with issues in the southern Philippines in order to exchange ideas regarding the kidnapping issues.
“We all have contacted the relevant authorities, and our team is already on the ground. This aims to obtain more thorough information on the situation and to map out the next action,” the Minister said.
Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also contacted one of the citizens relatives who are victims of kidnapping as well as try to contact other family to inform them about the incident, the Minister further said.
The Minister further explained that currently there are approximately 6,000 crewmen of Indonesian citizens who work legally in Malaysias fishing vessels. (FID/ES) (MUR/YM/Naster)
