Two Indonesian Crew Members Missing in South Korea Still Not Found

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that two Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) serving as crew members on a South Korean fishing vessel are still missing. “As of now, they have not been found, and according to local regulations, the search conducted by the Coast Guard lasts for 3x24 hours. After that, the search is only carried out by vessels operating in the area,” said Heni Hamidah, Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens, in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Heni confirmed that the Directorate of Protection for Indonesian Citizens will provide assistance and maintain communication with the families of the two missing crew members. The fishing vessel sank in the waters off Busan on 25 June after colliding with a 992-tonne LPG carrier. At the time of the incident, there were eight crew members on board the fishing vessel, consisting of six Indonesian nationals and two South Korean nationals. Six crew members, including four Indonesians, were successfully rescued, while two Indonesian crew members remain missing.

On 1 May, President Prabowo Subianto signed Presidential Regulation No. 25/2026 concerning the ratification of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 188, aimed at ensuring the protection and welfare of fishing vessel crews. According to the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, the ratification marks a significant milestone in establishing decent work standards in the fisheries sector, which has long been known for its high risks and challenges in labour protection, stemming not only from natural factors but also from the working environment. Through this regulation, the state ensures that fishing vessel crews receive comprehensive protection, covering recruitment processes, rights and obligations, occupational safety aspects, and clearer, more humane employment relations.