JAKARTA, May 18 — Indonesia is intensifying efforts to secure the release of four of its citizens, who are among the 16 crew members of the tanker MT Honour 25 captured by Somali pirates since April 22, while sailing in waters near Hafun in the Puntland region, north-eastern Somalia.
The Indonesian Foreign Ministry said it, together with its diplomatic mission, is continuing to coordinate intensively with various parties domestically and abroad following the case.
“Currently, negotiations between the local government authorities, the crew management, and other relevant parties in Somalia are still ongoing.
“There is strong hope that the negotiations for their release can be concluded in the near future,” the ministry said in a statement on Monday.
The MT Honour 25, which was carrying petroleum products, had a crew of 16 comprising four Indonesians, 10 Pakistanis, and one each from India and Myanmar.
The ministry said that, based on information obtained from various parties, all Indonesian crew members are reported to be in good health, with sufficient logistical supplies, and their salaries continue to be paid.
“The Foreign Ministry, the Transport Ministry, and other relevant parties have also engaged with the families of the crew members and conveyed that the government will continue to do its best to protect Indonesian citizens abroad,” it said. — Bernama
Indonesia pushes urgent talks to free tanker crew held by Somali pirates
