Foreign Minister Sugiono Says His Party Will Try To Repeat Indonesian Citizens Victims Of Fire In Hong Kong As Soon As Possible

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono. (Rafly/Infomed/Kemlu RI)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono said his party would try to make Indonesian citizens (WNI) / Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) who were victims of the fire in the apartment complex in Hong Kong.

Fires have occurred in seven apartment buildings in the Wang Fuk Court residential area, Tai Po, Hong Kong, detected since last Wednesday, before 15:00 local time with rapid escalation reaching the highest level of warning in Hong Kong "No. 5 alarms" at 18:22 local time.

Data from the Hong Kong Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in coordination with the Hong Kong Police Force, consolidation of employment data and field verification, there are 140 Indonesian citizens/PMI in the domestic sector who work in the complex.

"I express my condolences for the death of our Indonesian citizens who died there. Indeed, there are obstacles to local regulations regarding repatriation, but we will also try to find ways so that they can be fast," said Foreign Minister Sugiono after the delivery of humanitarian assistance entitled "Diplomat Care 2025" for victims of natural disasters. Sumatra, at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jakarta (5/12).

"In the process, in normal situations as well as the repatriation of the body from Hong Kong, the procedure takes a bit longer. Hopefully this can be done," hoped the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

In its update late Thursday, the Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong said nine Indonesian citizens died as a result of this fire, one person is still being treated in hospital, 129 people have been confirmed safe and one person has not been found.

The Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong moved quickly to open an emergency post at the Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong since Wednesday night. The Indonesian Consulate General also moved quickly to coordinate with local authorities to obtain access to information on affected Indonesian citizens/Indonesian Migrant Workers.

"After obtaining permission from the local authorities, since Thursday (27/11) morning sending a team to the field to identify and verify the affected Indonesian citizens/PMI, as well as the distribution of necessary logistical assistance, such as; food, drinks and sanitary packs," explained the Indonesian Consulate General.

The Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong then also established an emergency post at Tai Po Community as soon as he received clearance from the Hong Kong Government and Tai Po District Office on Friday.

"The function is to identify and verify the affected Indonesian citizens/PMI; distribution of necessary logistical assistance; in terms of loss of Indonesian Passports, carry out initial facilitation for re-issuance, and other assistance that may be carried out in accordance with applicable local safety, law and regulations protocols," explained the Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong.

In addition, the Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong also established communication with public nodes to capture information on the whereabouts and condition of Indonesian citizens/PMIs who may be affected.

"The Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong continues to coordinate with local authorities to make the best efforts to repatriate the bodies and rights of victims," added the Indonesian Consulate General.