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๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Indonesia /Conflict & Security

Indonesia Condemns Bab Al-Mandeb Attacks After Crew Affected

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Indonesia strongly condemns attacks on merchant vessels in the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait, particularly after an incident involving the MV Tihamah affected Indonesian crew members.
  • Foreign Minister Sugiono conveyed Indonesia's condemnation to his Yemeni counterpart and emphasized the need to prevent further escalation.
  • Three Indonesian crew members were aboard the MV Tihamah; two are safe, and one remains missing, with search efforts underway.

Indonesia has issued a strong condemnation of attacks targeting merchant vessels in the strategic Bab Al-Mandeb Strait. The statement follows a recent incident involving the MV Tihamah, which resulted in the impact on Indonesian crew members. This condemnation underscores Indonesia's commitment to maritime security and the safety of its citizens abroad.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono communicated the nation's strong disapproval to Yemeni Foreign Minister Afrah Abdulaziz Al-Zouba. During their conversation, Minister Sugiono stressed the urgent need for measures to de-escalate the situation and prevent further attacks in the vital waterway. He also expressed appreciation for the Yemeni government's assistance in aiding the affected Indonesian crew members, including facilitating consular access.

Of course, on this occasion, the Indonesian Foreign Minister strongly condemned this attack and emphasized the need for steps to prevent further escalation.

โ€” Yvonne MewengkangIndonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang relaying Foreign Minister Sugiono's remarks during a media briefing.

Regarding the crew of the MV Tihamah, which carried 11 individuals (8 Pakistani and 3 Indonesian), the situation remains concerning. While two Indonesian crew members are reported safe, one remains missing. Intensive search operations are currently underway in the sea area to locate the missing individual. Another crew member sustained minor injuries but did not require hospitalization, while a third received medical treatment.

The Indonesian Embassy in Muscat is actively involved, taking necessary steps to protect the Indonesian crew members and preparing to facilitate their repatriation if conditions allow. This incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by maritime personnel in conflict-affected regions and Indonesia's diplomatic efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of its nationals.

One other crew member has not yet been found, and the relevant parties are intensively carrying out search efforts in the sea area.

โ€” Heni HamidahDirector for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Heni Hamidah providing an update on the missing crew member.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.