Four Indonesian Crew Members Hijacked in Somalia Return Home
Four Indonesian Crew Members Hijacked in Somalia Return Home
Reporter
October 7, 2026 | 06:07 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Four Indonesian nationals who were serving as crew members aboard the MT Honour 25 have returned home after being held captive by an armed group following the vessel’s hijacking off Somalia.
As reported by TVRI News, the four Indonesians arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, on Tuesday evening, October 6, 2026, following months of captivity. The crew members were identified as Captain Ashari Samadikun of Gowa, South Sulawesi; Second Officer Adi Faizal of Bulukumba, South Sulawesi; Chief Officer Wahudinanto of Pemalang, Central Java; and Fiki Mutakin of Bogor, West Java.
The four had been held captive in waters off Hafun, northeastern Somalia, after the MT Honour 25 was hijacked on April 22, 2026.
Following negotiations and coordination with various parties, the Indonesian nationals were released and arrangements were made for their return. The process involved the Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya; the Indonesian Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan; and the Indonesian Consulate General in Karachi.
Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Sugiono said the repatriation reflected the government’s commitment to protecting Indonesian citizens facing difficulties abroad.
He added that the government would ensure the four crew members receive appropriate medical care following their ordeal.
“On this occasion, as the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, I want to ensure that the next steps in this process—specifically the provision of proper medical care for our fellow citizens—are carried out effectively,” Sugiono said on Tuesday.
Sugiono also thanked the government institutions and other parties involved in securing the crew members’ release and repatriation, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Transportation, Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), and the Indonesian Embassy in Yaoundé.
Government Coordinated Crew Members’ Protection
Previously, on April 30, 2026, Heni Hamidah, Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the four Indonesians were in good condition while the government continued efforts to manage the situation and ensure their safety.
The MT Honour 25 had 15 crew members on board, comprising four Indonesians, 10 Pakistanis, one Indian and one Myanmar national.
During the process, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinated with various parties in Somalia to ensure the Indonesian crew members’ needs were met, including logistical support and the payment of wages by their employer.
The ministry also maintained communication with local authorities, community leaders and other relevant stakeholders in Somalia, prioritizing the crew members’ safety until their release and eventual repatriation could be completed.
Read: 5 Indonesians Held Hostage as Chinese Ship Hijacked off Somalia
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News