RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - A boat carrying 39 Indonesian nationals sank in waters about 8.2 nautical miles off Pangkor Island in Perak, Malaysia, on May 11, 2026. All passengers were suspected to be undocumented Indonesian migrant workers.

According to the latest reports, authorities have confirmed the number of victims and suspended the search operation. “Twenty-three people survived, while 16 died,” Perak Maritime Department Director Maritime Capt. Mohd Shukri Khotob said in a statement in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Authorities are still investigating the details of the vessel’s journey and the identities of all passengers on board.

Malaysian authorities said the passengers were believed to have departed from Kisaran, North Sumatra, on Saturday, May 9, bound for Malaysia. Their final destinations were reportedly expected to include Penang, Terengganu, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.

Earlier, the Directorate for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Foreign Ministry stated that 14 Indonesians had been listed as missing following the accident.

“Of the 14 Indonesians previously listed as missing, seven have been found dead,” said Heni Hamidah, director for the protection of Indonesian citizens at the ministry, in a statement on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

The Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur continues to coordinate with the Malaysian Maritime Police to identify the Indonesian victims of the shipwreck.

“The embassy will also provide consular assistance and travel documents for Indonesians as needed,” Heni said.

Human trafficking syndicates are suspected of continuing to exploit unofficial sea routes, conditions that often lead to fatal accidents. (Gusti Panji)