Report Of Family Unloading TIP, Bakamla Saves 8 Indonesian Crew Members In South Korea

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) together with the Korea Coast Guard (KCG) and the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Seoul managed to save eight Indonesian crew members (ABK) from alleged criminal acts of trafficking in persons (TPPO) in South Korean waters.

The Indonesian Bakamla Youth Expert Public Relations Pranata Major Bakamla Yuhanes explained that this action began with a public report received by Bakamla RI.

"AD, the family of one of the victims, reported an irregularity when ABK CW was assigned to a foreign ship belonging to a South Korean company," Yuhanes said in Jakarta, quoted from Antara, Wednesday, August 13.

CW raised suspicions when workers were ordered to unload in the middle of the sea using another ship. This activity was monitored and stopped by the South Korean Navy which gave a firm warning not to be repeated.

Feeling threatened and rejecting unlawful actions, all Indonesian crew members insisted on asking to be sent back to Indonesia.

Following up on the report, the Head of Bakamla RI Vice Admiral TNI Irvansyah ordered the Directorate of Cooperation of Bakamla RI to immediately coordinate with KCG. In a short time, eight Indonesian crew members were rescued.

"This effort was carried out thanks to the close cooperation between Bakamla RI, KCG, the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, the Defense Attache of the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, and the Directorate of Protection of the Ministry of Protection for Indonesian Migrant Workers," said Yuhanes.

Currently, all Indonesian crew members are safe and have been sent back to their homeland.