Foreign Ministry Coordinates with South Korea in Search for Two Missing Indonesian Crew Members off Busan
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, has stated it is coordinating intensively with the Korea Coast Guard to obtain the latest developments regarding the search operation for Indonesian crew members missing in the waters off Busan.
Previously, Yonhap reported that a fishing vessel manned by six Indonesian crew members sank in the waters around Busan. According to a written statement from the Directorate of Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Foreign Ministry, the incident occurred on 25 June at around 10:10 a.m. local time when the 79-tonne vessel collided with a 992-tonne LPG carrier in waters near Gijang, Busan.
“At the time of the incident, there were eight crew members on board the fishing vessel, consisting of six Indonesian nationals and two South Korean nationals. Of that number, six crew members, including four Indonesians, were rescued, while two other Indonesian crew members are still in the search process,” said Director of Protection of Indonesian Citizens Heni Hamidah.
Heni stated that South Korean authorities have deployed coast guard patrol vessels, naval ships, helicopters, other government vessels, and fishing boats belonging to local fishermen around the incident site to search for the missing victims. She also conveyed that the Indonesian Embassy has established communication with the families of the crew members to provide information updates and necessary assistance.
On 1 May, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto signed Presidential Regulation No. 25/2026 concerning the ratification of International Labour Organization Convention No. 188 to ensure the protection and welfare of fishing vessel crews. According to the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, the ratification of ILO Convention 188 marks an important milestone in establishing decent work standards in the fisheries sector, which has long been known for its high risks and labour protection challenges, stemming not only from natural factors but also the working environment. Through this Presidential Regulation, the state ensures that fishing vessel crews receive comprehensive protection, from the recruitment process, rights and obligations, and occupational safety aspects, to clearer and more humane employment relationship certainty.