RRI.CO.ID, Kuala Lumpur - Strong coordination between Indonesian and Malaysian authorities has enabled the safe repatriation of two traditional fishermen from Batam, Riau Islands, who had drifted into Malaysian waters after running out of fuel in late April 2026.

The Indonesian Consulate General in Johor Bahru confirmed that the fishermen, identified by their initials Sdn and Mdi, were assisted in securing the necessary administrative documents to leave Malaysia.

While awaiting clearance, they were accommodated at the consulate’s Temporary Shelter (TSS) to ensure their safety and recovery.

The repatriation culminated in a formal handover at sea, conducted at agreed coordinates along the Indonesia-Malaysia maritime boundary. The consulate’s Protection Task Force worked closely with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) in Tanjung Sedili, Johor, to escort the fishermen to the border.

At the designated point, representatives of the counsulate general officially handed the fishermen and their 250-horsepower boat to Indonesia’s Barelang Water Police Unit, which deployed the patrol vessel Petir-28-1001 for the operation.

Consul General Sigit Widiyanto expressed deep appreciation for the seamless cooperation among agencies from both countries, including APMM Johor, APMM Tanjung Sedili, Barelang Water Police, Riau Islands Police, Batam Port Authority (KPLP), Batam Port Authority Office (KSOP), and the Riau Islands Provincial Marine and Fisheries Office.

“This strong synergy across institutions ensured that the protection and repatriation of our citizens could proceed swiftly, safely, and smoothly,” said Widiyanto, as quoted by Antara.

The fishermen have now returned to Batam with their vessel. The Consulate emphasized that the incident underscores the importance of cross-border coordination in addressing emergencies faced by traditional fishermen operating near maritime boundaries. ***