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.

The incident occurred early in the morning, around 3:00 AM local time, when the APMM intercepted a boat carrying five undocumented migrant workers. According to Fanny Wahyu Kurniawan, Head of the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Center in Riau, the deceased victim, identified as B, was likely from Riau. Details are still pending, but the Indonesian government is pushing for full transparency from Malaysia. Four other victims, two from Riau, two from North Sumatra, and one from the Riau Islands, are currently receiving medical treatment in Malaysia.

In response to the attack, Indonesian authorities are making efforts to repatriate the bodies of the deceased and ensure that the survivors receive the necessary support. The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Migrant Protection Center are collaborating to facilitate the process, which is expected to take two to three days.

In Malaysia, the Indonesian Embassy has called for an urgent investigation. The Indonesian parliament’s Vice Speaker, Cucun Ahmad Syamsurizal, has urged the government to provide full protection to the migrant workers who survived the attack and are still under the supervision of the APMM. He criticized the use of firearms by Malaysian authorities, calling it an excessive response. “A softer approach should have been used,” he stated, emphasizing the need for diplomatic intervention and a transparent investigation.

The demand for justice continues to grow, with leaders from various political parties calling for a thorough probe into the incident. Saleh Partaonan Daulay, Vice Chair of the National Mandate Party (PAN), has called for a transparent investigation based on human rights and justice principles. He expressed concern that the APMM has yet to grant Indonesian officials access to the survivors, fueling fears of a cover-up. Daulay also emphasized the need for the Indonesian government to support the victims’ families and ensure that the legal process is properly followed.

As the situation develops, the Indonesian government, including the Ministry of Manpower, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the police, are working together to ensure that all aspects of the case are thoroughly investigated. They are calling for a special investigation team to be formed to look into the shooting and its broader implications for the treatment of migrant workers in Malaysia. The Indonesian government remains committed to protecting its citizens abroad and holding the responsible parties accountable. (Uki Ruknuddin)

 

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