There Is An Indonesian Citizen On A South Korean Tanker Detained By Iran, The Indonesian Embassy Pursues An Explanation In Tehran

Photo illustration (Galih Pradipta / Antara)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian government sent a diplomatic note to the Iranian government to obtain clarity regarding the condition of Indonesian citizens (WNI) aboard the South Korean (South Korean) tanker detained by Iran. The Indonesian citizens became crew members of the ship.

The Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Tehran, Iran, explained that Indonesia continues to establish communication and coordinate with a number of parties to deal with this problem. The information was received in Jakarta, Wednesday, January 6.

"The Indonesian Embassy in Tehran has sent a diplomatic note to the Iranian Foreign Ministry regarding a request for clarification regarding the whereabouts of the two Indonesian crew members as well as requests for consular access and communication with both of them."

"The Iranian Foreign Ministry said that it had visited the MT Hankook Chemi ship and stated that the entire crew, including the two Indonesian crew members, are currently in good condition and healthy."

The Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that the crew of the South Korean-flagged ship - who were arrested earlier on the same day in the Strait of Hormuz - had been detained in the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas. "The crew members come from South Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam and Myanmar."

Citing the same media source, Reuters said the arrests were made by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards navy. The reason is that the tankers are considered to have caused chemical pollution in the Gulf region.

The South Korean government has also confirmed the arrest of the chemical tanker and requested the release of the crew as soon as possible. The detention is said to have been carried out in connection with the freezing of US $ 7 billion - equivalent to Rp97.5 trillion - by South Korea under US sanctions.

The news was later denied by Iran. They refused to be called using the South Korean ship and its crew as hostages.