RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Foreign Ministry, together with relevant parties, is pressing ahead with efforts to secure the release of four Indonesian crew members of the MT Honour 25, who remain held by Somali pirates.

News of the hostage situation first surfaced on social media, showing one of the crew pleading for the government’s help.

"The ministry, through the Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi and the Honorary Consul in Somalia, continues to closely monitor developments concerning the Indonesian crew," Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the ministry, Heni Hamidah, said in a written statement to RRI on Monday, June 1, 2026.

"The team is coordinating with all relevant parties, including the shipping company and local authorities,” she added.

Heni confirmed that negotiations are still ongoing, with no official confirmation yet regarding ransom demands. She emphasized that the ministry and its partners remain focused on safeguarding the crew’s condition despite technical challenges posed by the vessel’s remote location.

“The crew’s situation is being monitored continuously, including their health and access to logistics on board. There are technical difficulties in ensuring supplies due to the ship’s position being far from reach,” she explained.

The Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry representatives have pledged to provide the best possible protection and assistance for the hostages, promising to share verified updates as soon as available.

The Embassy in Nairobi has been coordinating intensively with Somali counterparts since the hijacking of the MT Honour 25 in Hafun waters on April 22, 2026. The vessel carries 15 crew members, including four Indonesians, alongside nationals from Pakistan, India, and Myanmar.

The ministry also notes that 321 Indonesian crew members are currently registered worldwide--81 on fishing vessels, 188 on merchant ships, and 44 on other fishing boats--with data continuously updated in coordination with relevant agencies. (Misni Parjiati)