8 Bodies Of Citizens Of Shipwreck Victims In Johor Bahru Malaysia Returned To Indonesia

BATAM - Eight bodies of Indonesian citizens (WNI) victims of the ship sinking in the waters of Johor Bahru Malaysia in mid-December 2021 were returned to the country via Batam City, Riau Islands.

The bodies were picked up directly by the International Humanitarian Mission Task Force consisting of the Divhubinter Polri Task Force, the National Police Criminal Investigation Unit, the National Police DVI, the Ditpolairud, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and BP2MI using the Police ship KP Admiral 7021.

"The main mission is to evacuate or repatriate the bodies of Indonesian citizens who were victims of the sinking ship," said Head of Mission for the Head of the Hubinter Division, Inspector General Johni Asadoma, quoted by Antara, Tuesday, January 4.

He said there were 64 people who became victims of the ship that brought PMI illegally to Malaysia. A total of 22 people of whom were declared dead, 13 people survived, and others are still not found.

A total of 13 survivors are still being held by Malaysian authorities.

Touching on the Indonesian citizen who has not been found, he said that his party does not yet know whether his fate is missing or has arrived safely elsewhere in Malaysia.

In addition to picking up the bodies, the team also deliberately went to Malaysia to investigate the case further.

"There is a team that will interview several Indonesian citizens who are still alive to complete the investigation of this case, until it is taken later," he said.

He also emphasized that the crime of transnational human trafficking always works with networks, in the countries of origin and destination. Therefore, it will cooperate with the Malaysian authorities.

In the same place, the Head of Public Relations of the Riau Islands Police, Kombes Harry Goldenhardt, said that the eight bodies had been identified.

"Today's repatriation of victims amounted to eight victims who have been identified. However, we are with the DVI Team from the National Police Headquarters to ensure that the victims are brought back to Indonesia," said Kombes Harry Goldenhardt.