One Indonesian Seafarer of a Fishing Boat Hijacked in Somalia Successfully Returned Home

Spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yvonne Mewengkang. (Rafly/Infomed/Kemlu RI)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is following the case of piracy of a Chinese-flagged ship in Somali waters, where one Indonesian citizen (WNI) who was a crew member (ABK) was successfully repatriated to the country, while five other Indonesian citizens are still on board.

The Chinese-flagged fishing vessel Liao Dong Yu 578 was hijacked by pirates in Somali waters on December 31, 2025. A number of Indonesian citizens were on board the ship.

Spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Yvonne said that her party, together with the Directorate of Protection of Indonesian Citizens (PWNI) and the Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi, had handled the piracy.

"Regarding the condition of our Indonesian citizens in the piracy of ships in Somalia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Directorate of Indonesian Citizens and also the Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi has handled the piracy," explained Yvonne, Tuesday (3/3).

Meanwhile, one Indonesian ABK was successfully repatriated on January 15 and has arrived at his home area, said Yvonne.

Meanwhile, "for the five crew members who are still on board the ship, the Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi continues to coordinate with the authorities to continue to approach and negotiate directly with the hijackers, to ensure that the condition of our Indonesian crew is safe and healthy," he said.

Yvonne added that the negotiation process was carried out directly by the Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi with the direction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Directorate of Protection of Indonesian Citizens.