Indonesia Eyes Maritime Cooperation with Puntland After Crew Release

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Ambassador to Kenya and concurrently Somalia, Witjaksono Adji, has underscored potential maritime cooperation between Indonesia and Puntland, Somalia, following the release of Indonesian crew members from the hijacked oil tanker MT Honour 25.

Speaking in Jakarta on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, Witjaksono explained that the idea of partnership was raised during efforts to secure the freedom of the four Indonesian crew members held hostage since April 2026.

“At that time, we were not only discussing the rescue of our crew, but also broader cooperation to strengthen ties between Indonesia and Puntland,” he said after formally handing over the freed seafarers to their families at Soekarno‑Hatta International Airport.

Puntland, located on Somalia’s northeastern coast, commands nearly half of the country’s total shoreline. Witjaksono noted the region’s maritime needs mirror those of Indonesia.

“Puntland certainly has similar needs to Indonesia,” he remarked, adding that Indonesia’s strong capacity in managing marine resources could serve as a foundation for collaboration. The ambassador specifically proposed cooperation in the blue economy, fisheries, and maritime law enforcement.

He emphasized that such engagement not only supported the release of the MT Honour 25 crew but also opened channels for ongoing dialogue with Puntland authorities. Alongside Puntland’s regional administration, Indonesia also engaged Somalia’s central government, local communities, and NGOs to accelerate the crew’s liberation.

Witjaksono expressed gratitude that the four Indonesians survived nearly six months in captivity and have now reunited with their families. The crew members are Captain Ashari Samadikun (34) from Gowa, South Sulawesi; Wahudinanto (48) from Pemalang, Central Java; Adi Faizal (27) from Bulukumba, South Sulawesi; and Fiki Mutakin (25) from Bogor, West Java.

The MT Honour 25 was hijacked off Hafun, Somalia, on April 22, 2026. The rescue operation concluded successfully on September 29, 2026, marking the end of a tense ordeal and opening new avenues for Indonesia to deepen maritime cooperation with Puntland. ***