Sunken Ship Kills 16 Indonesians in Malaysia; 5 Suspected in Illegal Migration Case Under Police Questioning

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com — The Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has provided an update on the sinking of a vessel carrying Indonesian nationals in Perak waters, Malaysia, on Monday, 11 May 2026. Five Indonesians are currently being questioned by Malaysian police over suspected involvement in illegal migration, with five additional individuals undergoing further investigation by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) over alleged links to illegal migration activities, the embassy stated on Tuesday, 26 May 2026. The questioning of the five follows investigations into the 18 survivors. In the incident that claimed 16 lives, the embassy has coordinated with Malaysian authorities, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM), Perak State Police (IPK Perak), Manjung Police District (IPD Manjung), Public Health Department (JKM), and Teluk Intan Hospital. Updates indicate the embassy has gained access to meet the 18 survivors to verify identities, gather detailed information, and confirm their condition. Initial identifications reveal the survivors hail from various Indonesian regions, including Aceh, North Sumatra, Riau Islands, Lampung, Banten, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, and Southeast Sulawesi. To expedite the identification of the 16 deceased Indonesians, the embassy is working closely with the Indonesian National Police (Polri) to trace victims’ families and collect DNA samples from relatives of the deceased. The government has pledged to closely monitor developments and coordinate with all relevant parties in both Malaysia and Indonesia. ‘Active communication with victims’ families will be maintained to provide updates as part of its commitment to protecting Indonesian citizens,’ the embassy added.