Indonesian Consulate in Johor Repatriates Fishermen Adrift in Malaysian Waters

Kuala Lumpur (ANTARA) - The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Johor Bahru facilitated the repatriation of two traditional boat fishermen from Batam, Kepulauan Riau, who had drifted into Malaysian waters. In a statement received in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, KJRI Johor Bahru reported that the two fishermen, initials Sdn and Mdi, had previously drifted due to running out of fuel, entering Malaysian waters at the end of April 2026. They were subsequently assisted in obtaining administrative documents to exit Malaysia. While awaiting the administrative process, the two fishermen, who brought a boat with a 250 HP engine, were accommodated at the Temporary Shelter (TSS) of KJRI Johor Bahru to ensure their safety and recovery. The repatriation process culminated in a handover mechanism at sea at the agreed coordinates on the Indonesia-Malaysia maritime border. The KJRI Johor Bahru WNI Protection Task Force worked closely with the APMM Tanjung Sedili Zone, Johor State, to escort the departure of the two fishermen towards the border line. At the border point, the handover was conducted officially by KJRI Johor Bahru representatives to the Polairud Unit of Barelang Police Resort using the Petir-28-1001 Patrol Boat. Indonesian Consul General in Johor Bahru Sigit Widiyanto expressed deep appreciation and thanks for the solid cooperation shown by various agencies from both countries, including the Johor State APMM and Tanjung Sedili Zone APMM, Barelang Police Resort Polairud Unit, Kepri Police, Batam KPLP, Batam KSOP, and the Marine and Fisheries Office (DKP) of Kepri Province. “This strong synergy among agencies ensures that the protection and repatriation facilitation process for our citizens can proceed quickly, safely, and smoothly,” said Consul General Sigit. The two fishermen along with their boat have now returned to the homeland in Batam. KJRI Johor stated that this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of cross-border coordination in handling emergency situations faced by traditional fishermen in border areas.