RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur continue to monitor the handling of a shipwreck involving 37 Indonesian citizens in waters west of Pangkor Island, Perak, Malaysia. Seven Indonesians were reported dead, while seven others remain missing after the incident on Monday, May 11, 2026.

The Ministry’s Director of Citizen Protection, Heni Hamidah, said that 23 Indonesians had been rescued. “They consist of 16 men and seven women, most of whom did not have valid travel documents,” Heni stated in a written release on Wednesday, May 13.

She explained that of the 14 Indonesians initially reported missing, seven have been found dead. “Seven people have been found dead and are currently at a hospital in Perak for identification and further handling by local authorities,” she added.

According to Heni, the ministry will send a team to trace the victims’ families, who are believed to be from North Sumatra. This step is intended to support the identification process for both survivors and fatalities and to prepare the necessary documents for subsequent procedures.

“The Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur is coordinating with the Malaysian Maritime Police to assist the Indonesian victims of the accident and will provide consular assistance and travel documents as needed,” Heni said.

She emphasized that the ministry expressed deep concern over the incident. “The ministry urges the public not to use non-procedural or illegal channels to work overseas,” she said. (Gusti Panji)