NTB Governor Concerned About PMI Ship Accident In Batam Waters

Governor Zulkieflimansyah/Photo: Antara

MATARAM - The Governor of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Zulkieflimansyah expressed his concern over the shipwreck that befell Indonesian migrant workers (PMI), most of whom were Lombok residents.

"Of course, we are very concerned about the sinking of the ship that caused the loss of life for our Indonesian migrant workers," said Governor Zulkieflimansyah in Mataram, Monday, June 20.

According to him, so far the NTB Provincial Government has made optimal efforts, so that people who want to work abroad, go through official channels so that work security and safety can be guaranteed.

"We have made many efforts so that PMIs use formal and legal channels so that their health and safety are guaranteed," he said.

The governor hopes that the disaster that occurred can be a valuable lesson in the future.

"Hopefully, with these various disasters, we are more aware that it is better to use official and legal channels. We encourage our PMI to use official channels," he said, quoted by Antara.

It is known that the ship carrying 30 illegal PMIs and 23 of them came from NTB with the destination of Malaysia had an accident in the sea waters of Putri Island, Batam, Riau Islands, Thursday, June 16, at around 19.30 western Indonesia time.

The head of the NTB Manpower and Transmigration Service (Disnakertrans), I Gede Putu Aryadi, said that his party continues to make various efforts to coordinate with various parties to protect and handle the safety of NTB residents in the disaster.

Information received by the NTB Manpower and Transmigration Office stated that on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at around 19.30 western Indonesia time around the waters of Putri Island, Batam, a fast boat accident occurred.

Meanwhile, PMI data from the NTB Province that were rescued included six people from East Lombok, five people from Central Lombok, and two people from West Lombok.

Aryadi said that of the 23 migrant workers who survived, one of them was a woman. Meanwhile, one TKI named Amat had to be rushed to Budi Kemuliaan Hospital, Batam City for intensive treatment, because he had drowned and drank mostly sea water.

"For the time being, the SAR element is still carrying out a search at the scene and an investigation is being carried out," he said.

Aryadi said that his party would continue to coordinate and re-inform the development of the handling of the sinking ship incident in Batam waters.

"We have received directions from the Governor and Deputy Governor of NTB, to prioritize the safety and recovery of victims after the disaster," he said.