The Indonesian Embassy Guards The Fulfillment Of The Rights And Repatriation Of Indonesian Crew Members Of The MT Shi Xing Ship Trapped In Myanmar To Indonesia

The Indonesian Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar. (Source: Indonesian Embassy in Yangon)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Embassy in Yangon oversees and monitors the development of the case of seven Indonesian citizens (WNI) trapped in Myanmar, ensuring that their rights are fulfilled and return safely to the country.

In his statement, the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon said that his party received reports through the hotline regarding the presence of seven Indonesian crew members of the MT Shi Xing tanker who had difficulties while in Myanmar waters.

The ship was unable to make repairs due to the problem of documents and unauthorized sailing permits.

Initially, the ship used the Togo flag. However, the validity period of the permit has expired since 8 months ago. The ship's owner then used a new Nigerian-flagged permit under the name Green Ocean-2. Later, Myanmar authorities confirmed the permit was fake.

Currently, licensing is again submitted with the Mali flag and on behalf of MT Shi Xing which is still in the process of being approved.

The Indonesian Embassy in Yangon said the ship had been stranded in Myanmar waters for approximately three months and had not been allowed to dock.

"The crew had not received a salary for almost three months. One of the crew members was reported to have had a health problem. The crew expressed their desire to resign and immediately return to Indonesia," said Indonesian Embassy in Yangon in a statement to VOI.id as quoted October 14.

The Indonesian Embassy said it had carried out initial verification and coordinated with the Myanmar authorities regarding the status of the ship and its crew. The Indonesian Embassy has also made direct contact with the owner of the ship, which is an Indonesian citizen, as well as with the ship agency in Myanmar for mediation between the owner and crew.

The Indonesian Embassy in Yangon asked the ship's agency to provide logistics every two weeks for the crew while waiting for permission, as well as seek health checks for sick crew members. The Indonesian Embassy also monitors the ship's licensing process so that sign-on and crew sign-offs can be carried out.

"Temporary agreement, a 1 month salary will be paid upon arrival of the crew in Yangon. The remaining 2 months of salary will be paid in Indonesia," said the Indonesian Embassy.

"The Indonesian Embassy is coordinating with related parties to ensure the return and safety of all crew members and to monitor continuously the condition of the crew and follow-up to the fulfillment of their rights," said the Indonesian Embassy.

The Indonesian Embassy in Yangon added that it will continue to monitor the development of ship licensing and salary payments, as well as ensure a safe and decent return for all Indonesian citizens.