RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation oversaw the repatriation of two Indonesian crew members affected by missile attacks on the MT Belma in the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring both sailors received full protection and assistance until their safe return home.

The two seafarers arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport’s Terminal 3 on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. local time.

They were received by representatives from the Directorate of Shipping and Seafaring, alongside PT Utama Bahari Indonesia Director Nur Suwanto, whose company holds the official license for crew agency operations (SIUKAK).

Director of Shipping and Seafaring Samsuddin emphasized that the state is committed to safeguarding the rights and welfare of Indonesian sailors, particularly in emergency situations abroad.

“The government remains committed to protecting Indonesian seafarers, including during emergencies caused by conflict or security threats in international waters,” Samsuddin said in a written statement on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

He expressed appreciation to all parties involved in the handling and repatriation process, including the crew agency, ship owners, local authorities, and the Directorate for Indonesian Citizens Protection (PWNI) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Samsuddin noted that cross-agency coordination was crucial to ensuring the repatriation proceeded safely and in line with established procedures.

According to the chronology, MT Belma was sailing through the Strait of Hormuz en route to Kharg Island Anchorage on July 15, 2026, when it was struck twice by missiles that damaged the ship’s funnel.

The damage disabled the vessel’s engines, leaving it adrift and dangerously close to shore. The captain decided to anchor on July 16 to protect the crew.

The following day, July 17, the ship was hit again by missiles targeting the funnel. At around 6:00 p.m. local time, all crew members were successfully evacuated to Kharg Island, Iran, for further assistance. (Diva Rifdah)