Indonesian Government Accelerates Response to WNI Ship Incident in Malaysia

The Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur (KBRI) has been conducting intensive coordination with Malaysian authorities following a ship incident involving Indonesian nationals (WNI) in Perak waters since May 11, 2026. In an official statement, KBRI Kuala Lumpur confirmed that coordination measures were initiated immediately upon receiving information about the incident. Communications have been established with various entities, including the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM), Perak Police, Manjung Police District, Public Health Department (JKM), and Teluk Intan Hospital. ‘The coordination aims to ensure comprehensive handling of the case from consular access, victim identification, to humanitarian protection for affected Indonesians,’ the KBRI Kuala Lumpur statement said on Tuesday (May 26). In recent developments, KBRI Kuala Lumpur has gained access to meet the 18 surviving Indonesians to verify their identities, gather detailed information, and confirm their condition. Initial identification shows the survivors hail from various Indonesian regions: Aceh, North Sumatra, Riau Islands, Lampung, Banten, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, and Southeast Sulawesi. Meanwhile, five other Indonesians are undergoing further checks by PDRM over suspected involvement in illegal migrant trafficking. ‘All surviving Indonesians are in good health,’ the statement added. KBRI Kuala Lumpur also confirmed, based on coordination with Teluk Intan Hospital, that 16 Indonesians died in the ship incident. To expedite identification of the deceased, KBRI Kuala Lumpur is collaborating with the Indonesian National Police to trace victims’ families and collect DNA samples. ‘To expedite identification, KBRI Kuala Lumpur is closely working with the National Police to trace victims’ families and collect DNA samples from families of suspected deceased Indonesians,’ the embassy stated. The Indonesian government, through KBRI Kuala Lumpur, affirmed it will continue to closely monitor the case’s progress and maintain active communication with victims’ families as part of its commitment to protecting Indonesians abroad. The government also urges anyone who believes they have family members involved in the incident or require further information to contact KBRI Kuala Lumpur’s Protection Hotline at +60 17-668 8032. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang explained that the number of victims exceeded initial estimates based on crew statements. A total of 39 Indonesians were involved in the shipwreck in Pulau Pangkor waters, Malaysia, with 16 confirmed dead after six days of search and rescue operations.