LOMBOK, RAKYAT NEWS – Two of the seven Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) from the province of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), who tragically died in a fatal accident in Malaysia, have been repatriated to their hometowns in Lombok.

Asyib Yulianto, Head of the Migrant Worker Protection and Service Office (BP2MI) of NTB, confirmed on Thursday, November 28, 2024, that the repatriation of the deceased workers is being conducted in stages.

“Currently, two of the seven victims have been sent back: Suandi Putra Kedaro from Lombok Tengah and Ridwan from Lombok Barat,” he explained.

The process is taking longer due to administrative formalities that still need to be completed for the victims, with the Indonesian government’s representative office in Eastern Malaysia managing the repatriation efforts.

“The repatriation is being carried out gradually as we are still processing the necessary documents for the victims,” Yulianto added.

The next repatriation will involve three more victims: Agus Muliadi and Sarapuddin from Lombok Tengah, and one other from Lombok Timur. Yulianto emphasized that delays are due to the complex preparations required for each repatriation, such as completing documents and other logistics.

“We apologize for the delay in repatriating all the bodies at once. The government is committed to supporting and facilitating the return of the deceased migrant workers,” he said.

The bodies of the seven victims will be repatriated by air from Eastern Malaysia to Pontianak, and from there, they will be transported to Jakarta and then to Lombok International Airport before being taken to their homes by ambulance.

The government will cover all costs associated with the repatriation process. (Uki Ruknuddin)