JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Five Indonesian nationals were shot by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) on January 24, 2025, in Malaysian waters near Tanjung Rhu.

The incident, which left one person dead and four others wounded, has sparked outrage and calls for accountability. The shooting occurred after the APMM stopped the vessel carrying the Indonesian nationals, who were suspected of resisting arrest.

Judha Nugraha, Director of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Citizen Protection Department, explained that the shooting happened during an attempted arrest. The Indonesian Ministry of Manpower also confirmed that the victims were likely undocumented migrant workers. This incident is not isolated, with similar tragedies having occurred in the past, raising concerns over the treatment of Indonesian workers in Malaysia.

Nurharsono, Coordinator for Legal Assistance at Migrant CARE, condemned the use of excessive force, describing the shooting as a violation of human rights. He stressed that migrant workers, like all Indonesians, deserve protection and should not be treated as criminals. This sentiment was echoed by many, as this is not the first time Indonesian migrant workers have been victims of such violence in Malaysia. The case from 2012, where five Indonesian workers were shot by the Malaysian police, remains a painful reminder of the hostility faced by Indonesian migrants in the country.

The Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has taken swift action, sending a diplomatic note to the Malaysian government urging a thorough investigation into the incident. The note also calls for transparency regarding the use of excessive force by the APMM. Indonesia’s lawmakers are demanding full accountability for the incident and the protection of Indonesian workers in Malaysia.