Foreign Minister Sugiono: Indonesia Directly Negotiating with Pirates Who Hijacked a Vessel Carrying Indonesian Nationals in Somali Waters

The Indonesian government has adopted an assertive diplomatic approach to secure the release of four Indonesian nationals who were taken hostage after a vessel was hijacked in Somali waters. Foreign Minister (FM) Sugiono disclosed that the government had established direct communication with the pirates to ensure the safety of the crew. ‘We have conducted communications, including directly with the hijackers,’ Sugiono said after attending a working meeting with the I Commission of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday (20 May).

In this complex negotiation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) is not acting alone. Sugiono explained that they are mobilising diplomatic networks around the conflict zone to optimise the rescue of the crew aboard the vessel MT Honour 25. Some Indonesian representatives involved include those in Pakistan and Kenya, crucial given that MT Honour 25’s crew comprises multiple nationalities: four Indonesians, ten Pakistanis, one Indian, and one Myanmar national.

According to the latest data as of 30 April, the Director for Protection of Indonesian Citizens at Kemlu, Heni Hamidah, said the four Indonesians are in good condition. The victims are known to be from South Sulawesi, West Java, and Central Java.

The hijacking of the MT Honour 25 occurred on 22 April in waters around Hafun, northeast Somalia. Since then, the government has continued to coordinate with local authorities, Somali community leaders, and relevant business actors.

In addition to the focus on release, Kemlu is also ensuring the rights of the hostages are maintained during detention. ‘Kemlu has taken steps to ensure the logistical needs of the Indonesian hostages are met, and that their salaries continue to be paid by the employers,’ Heni Hamidah said.

The Indonesian government reiterates that the primary priority in handling this case is the safety of the crew. Domestic coordination with relevant parties is being tightened to formulate preventive measures to prevent similar incidents from recurring in the future.