Seven Indonesian Nationals Die in Boat Sinking Incident in Malaysian Waters

Acting Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Heni Hamidah, stated that seven Indonesian nationals (WNI) died in a boat sinking incident in the western waters of Pangkor Island, Perak, Malaysia. Heni explained that out of 14 WNI reported missing, seven have been found dead. “Seven people have been found dead and are currently at a hospital in Perak for identification and further handling by local authorities,” she said in a brief message on Wednesday (13/5/2026). Meanwhile, the other seven remain missing and are being searched for. Most of them, according to Heni, did not have travel documents. Therefore, the ministry is sending a team to trace the families of the victims, suspected to be from North Sumatra. “This is for the purpose of identifying surviving and deceased victims, as well as preparing related documents for further handling,” Heni stated. “And it will provide consular facilitation and travel documents for the WNI as needed,” she added. Finally, the ministry conveyed deep condolences over the incident. The ministry also urged the public not to use non-procedural or illegal routes for working abroad.