Indonesian Seafarer Victim of Sinking Ship in Vietnam Repatriated

JAKARTA - An Indonesian seafarer named Heru Partiman, who survived the sinking of a ship in the Vung Tau area, Vietnam, has been repatriated to Indonesia.

The handover of Heru Partiman from the Vietnamese Border Guard authorities to the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Ho Chi Minh City was carried out on 2 April 2026 at the Office of Border Guard Squadron 2, Vung Tau.

Director of Shipping and Maritime Affairs, Samsuddin, stated that the handover was witnessed by representatives from the Ho Chi Minh City Foreign Department and local police.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the Ministry of Transportation, ensured that the entire repatriation process ran smoothly, from cross-authority coordination and resolution of immigration documents to provision of transit facilities in Kuala Lumpur and pick-up upon arrival in Indonesia,” said Samsuddin in an official statement on Tuesday (7/4/2026).

Samsuddin expressed appreciation for the synergy and cooperation of all parties involved in handling and repatriating the seafarer.

“The handling of this case is the result of solid coordination between the Directorate of Protection of Indonesian Citizens (PWNI) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Directorate of Shipping and Maritime Affairs of the Ministry of Transportation, as well as Indonesian representatives abroad,” he said.

“We ensure that every Indonesian citizen, especially seafarers, receives maximum protection and assistance, including in emergency situations abroad,” Samsuddin added.

After undergoing all administrative processes in accordance with applicable regulations in Vietnam, Heru Partiman was declared to be in good health and has obtained official permission to return to Indonesia. His Vietnamese exit visa was issued on 27 March 2026 and is valid until 9 April 2026.

“We are committed to providing comprehensive protection to Indonesian citizens abroad, especially seafarers working in the global maritime sector,” Samsuddin emphasised.