Three Indonesian sailors accidentally crossed into Malaysian waters and were later declared innocent

Three Indonesian crewmen from Pulau Buru, Karimun, were successfully repatriated after being detained by Malaysian maritime authorities for unintentionally entering their territorial waters.

Detained for Crossing the Line

On May 26, 2025, three Indonesian sailors—Ahmad, Haryanto, and Muhammad Faizal—were detained by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) Johor after unintentionally entering Malaysian waters aboard their ship, KM Tambisan Agensi. The trio, who work as grocery traders at sea, had no intention of violating territorial boundaries.

Following an 11-day investigation, Malaysian authorities concluded there was no deliberate wrongdoing. On June 5, the men were transferred to the Temporary Shelter Facility (TSS) managed by the Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Johor Bahru, where they awaited repatriation.

A Coordinated Repatriation Effort

The repatriation took place on Thursday, June 26, 2025. KJRI Johor Bahru’s Second Consular Functionary, Leni Marliani, officially handed over the sailors and their vessel to Rear Admiral Bambang Trijanto, Head of Bakamla’s Western Zone, aboard the KN Tanjung Datu-301. The ceremony occurred on the Indonesia–Malaysia maritime border and was witnessed by APMM Johor Commander Mohd Najib bin Sam, Karimun government officials, and other related agencies.

Border Misunderstanding, Not a Crime

According to Bakamla’s Public Relations Officer, Major Yuhanes Antara, the location where the vessel was intercepted fell within a non-restricted area of the traffic separation scheme (TSS)—not Malaysian territorial waters. As such, the crew was found not guilty and released. The formal handover followed a written request from KJRI Johor (No. B-00243/Johor Bahru/250606) for assistance in retrieving the sailors.

Lessons for Maritime Navigation

This case was not isolated. KJRI Johor Bahru has facilitated the return of six Indonesian fishermen since early 2025 in similar circumstances. Marliani urged Indonesian sailors to understand maritime boundaries clearly to avoid future detentions. She emphasized the need for ongoing awareness and navigation training, especially for those whose livelihoods depend on cross-border seas.

Call for Legal Employment Channels

Beyond maritime issues, KJRI Johor also encouraged all Indonesians seeking employment in Malaysia to use official routes. “Get verified information through legitimate agencies,” Marliani advised, reminding workers to avoid informal channels that often lead to legal complications or deportation.

The smooth repatriation of the three Indonesian sailors underscores the importance of diplomatic cooperation in protecting citizens abroad. With maritime boundaries sometimes unclear, this incident highlights the need for increased awareness and responsible navigation—especially for Indonesians whose work brings them near international waters. The swift coordination among KJRI Johor, Bakamla RI, and Malaysian authorities sets a strong example for regional handling of such cases.

Sources: Antara Kepri (2025) , Pikiran Rakyat (2025)

Keywords: Karimun Crew Repatriated, KJRI Johor Bahru, Maritime Detention Malaysia, Pulau Buru Sailors, KN Tanjung Datu, Indonesian Fishermen