Foreign Ministry Direct Communications with Somali Pirates Holding Indonesian Nationals

Jakarta — Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has conducted direct communication with Somali pirates who are holding four Indonesian nationals. The talks are part of efforts to secure the release of the Indonesians aboard the vessel MT Honour 25, which is still being held by pirates in the waters off Somalia. ‘If this is indeed a hostage situation, then we have also been in communication with the pirates themselves,’ Sugiono told reporters at the DPR building in Jakarta on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. He said the government is continuing to coordinate with several Indonesian missions abroad to secure the safety of the hostages. ‘There are a number of our embassies involved — our embassy in Nairobi — and for the rescue and security we are coordinating with our embassy in Pakistan, and the Consulate-General in Karachi,’ he added. Sugiono also acknowledged there have been discussions regarding the pirates’ demands, but he would not elaborate: ‘That is still under discussion.’ Earlier reports said four Indonesian nationals remained hostage since 21 April 2026. In addition to Ashari, the other Indonesian hostages are Wahudinanto, Adi Faizal, and Fiki Mutakin. The vessel carries a total of 17 crew: four Indonesian, 10 Pakistani, and one each from Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and India.