Sailor from Gowa Kidnapped by Somali Pirates, Threatened with Execution if No Ransom Paid

Gowa, VIVA – Captain of the tanker Honour 25, Ashari Samadikun (33), has been kidnapped by Somali pirates along with 16 other crew members since Tuesday, 21 April 2026.

The hijacking occurred while the ship was sailing from Oman to Somalia. The family first received information through a voice message sent directly by Ashari to his wife, Santi Sanaya (26).

“On Tuesday at 19:30 WITA, my husband said his ship was attacked by pirates. I tried calling back; his phone was still active but not answered. A few hours later, it was no longer active,” Santi revealed when met at her home, quoted on Sunday, 26 April 2026.

Santi recounted that the last communication was via video call in the evening. At that time, her husband’s condition still appeared fine, but the situation on the ship was said to be changeable depending on the threats from the pirates.

“He said the situation is uncertain. If the pirates feel threatened, the crew’s safety is also affected,” she added.

Santi and the other family members are increasingly devastated, as the crew reportedly received serious threats from the captors.

“Yes, he said if they are not ransomed, they will be executed that night. We are very devastated,” she said.

Of the total 17 crew members on the tanker Honour 25, four are Indonesian nationals. Besides Ashari from Gowa, there is Adi Faizal from Bulukumba, Wahudinanto from Pemalang, and Fiki Mutakin from Bogor.

Although the ship belongs to a foreign company based in the United Arab Emirates, the family hopes the Indonesian government can step in to help with the release process of the hostages.

Until now, according to Santi, there is no clarity regarding the fate of the crew. The company is said to still be negotiating with the pirates, but has not provided definite information to the family.

“They say the negotiation process is ongoing, but we don’t know the results yet. We can only wait anxiously,” she explained.

Deep sadness is also felt by the victim’s mother, Siti Aminah (57). She could not hold back her tears when recalling her son, who is the family’s breadwinner.

“My child always said not to worry too much, but he is the family’s backbone. He is very good to his parents and siblings. I am very sad,” she said softly.