Almost A Year 7 Indonesian Crew Members Missing Mysteriously, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Urges Mauritius To Seriously Conduct Research

Screenshot of the Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens and BHI of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Judha Nugraha (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) demands an investigation into the disappearance of seven Indonesian crew members (ABK) in Mauritius last year. Various steps have been taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indonesian Embassy in Antananarivo.

"In addition to intensive communication, seven diplomatic notes have been sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mauritius to encourage investigations and clarify the fate of our seven Indonesian crew members," said Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens and BHI at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Judha Nugraha in an online media briefing quoted by Antara, Thursday, February 10.

Six of the missing crew members were members of the Wei Fa ship, while one crew member worked on the De Hai ship. Both are Taiwanese-flagged fishing vessels. According to eyewitness accounts, the Wei Fa ship and the De Hai ship left the Mauritius dock on February 26, 2021, before being declared missing at sea.

Then on March 2, 2021, Mauritius security forces were able to recall the Wei Fa Ship to the capital Port Louis but the seven Indonesian crew members were not found.

"The Mauritius authorities have investigated all the crew onboard and there are indications of criminal activity," said Judha.

Following an official statement from the Mauritius police regarding the disappearance of seven Indonesian crew members in September 2021, the Indonesian Embassy in Antananarivo requested the results of an investigation and encouraged law enforcement if a criminal act was found.

"We are also coordinating with Taipei because the ship has a Taiwanese flag to ensure the fulfillment of the rights of our seven crew members. Finally, we received information that some of our crew members received insurance that had been given to their families," said Judha.