INDONESIAUPDATES.COM, News En – Indonesian officials on Wednesday received the body of Basri, a 50-year-old migrant worker who was fatally shot by Malaysia’s maritime patrol for alleged trespassing. The incident, which occurred on January 24 in the waters of Tanjung Rhu, Selangor, also left four other Indonesian migrants injured.
Basri’s remains were transported via an AirAsia flight and arrived at Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport in Pekanbaru, Riau Province, at 3:35 p.m. local time. The deceased was a native of Rupat Island in Bengkalis Regency, Riau.
A number of high-ranking officials were present at the airport to receive the coffin, including Acting Riau Governor Rahman Hadi, Deputy Provincial Police Chief Brig. Gen. Adrianto Jossy Kusumo, and the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s Director for Indonesian Citizen Protection, Judha Nugraha.
“We successfully repatriated the body today so that it can be handed over to the family for burial,” Judha said in a statement.
Call for Investigation
The Indonesian government has urged Malaysia to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, expressing concerns over what it describes as the alleged excessive use of force by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).
Judha emphasized that the government would continue to push for justice, stating that Indonesia takes such incidents seriously and expects full transparency from Malaysian authorities.
The Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has received reports suggesting that the MMEA opened fire on the Indonesian migrants, alleging that they were attempting to leave Malaysia through illegal routes and resisted arrest. However, Indonesian officials argue that shooting unarmed migrants is a disproportionate response and demand accountability from Malaysian authorities.
Human Rights Concerns and Diplomatic Implications
The shooting has sparked outrage in Indonesia, with migrant worker advocacy groups condemning the use of lethal force against civilians. Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has contacted its Malaysian counterpart, requesting an immediate and impartial investigation.
This incident has the potential to strain diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Malaysia, two neighboring nations with a long history of economic and labor ties. Malaysia hosts a large number of Indonesian migrant workers, many of whom are employed in the construction, plantation, and domestic work sectors. Cases of mistreatment, abuse, and legal complications involving migrant workers have long been a contentious issue between the two countries.
Repatriation and Family’s Grief
Basri’s family in Bengkalis Regency has expressed deep sorrow and demanded justice for his death. His relatives described him as a hardworking individual who sought better economic opportunities abroad.
“This is not just about my family’s loss, but about ensuring no other Indonesian worker faces such brutality,” a family member said.
The four injured survivors remain under medical treatment in Malaysia, with Indonesian authorities closely monitoring their condition and legal proceedings related to the case.
Next Steps
Indonesia has vowed to provide legal assistance to the survivors and the family of the deceased while maintaining diplomatic pressure on Malaysia to conduct a fair investigation.
“This is a test of our commitment to protecting Indonesian citizens abroad,” Judha added. “We will not rest until justice is served.”
As the investigation unfolds, the Indonesian public awaits further updates, hoping that the tragic incident will lead to stronger protections for migrant workers and greater accountability in cross-border law enforcement actions.
FAQs – Indonesia Demands Investigation After Migrant Worker Fatally Shot by Malaysian Authorities
1. What happened to the Indonesian migrant worker, Basri?
Basri, a 50-year-old Indonesian migrant worker, was fatally shot by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) on January 24, 2025, in the waters of Tanjung Rhu, Selangor. The Malaysian authorities claimed he was trespassing. Four other Indonesian migrant workers were also injured in the incident.
2. When and where was Basri’s body repatriated?
Basri’s remains were transported via an AirAsia flight and arrived at Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport in Pekanbaru, Riau, on Wednesday at 3:35 p.m. local time.
3. How has the Indonesian government responded to the incident?
The Indonesian government has called for a thorough investigation into the use of lethal force by the MMEA. Officials are demanding accountability and transparency from Malaysian authorities while providing legal assistance to the victims and their families.
4. What is Malaysia’s stance on the incident?
According to reports received by the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, the MMEA fired at the migrants, alleging they were attempting to leave Malaysia illegally and resisted arrest. The Indonesian government, however, considers the use of force excessive and demands an independent investigation.
5. What are the diplomatic implications of this case?
The incident could strain relations between Indonesia and Malaysia, particularly regarding labor rights and the treatment of Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia. Both nations have a long history of labor cooperation, but cases of mistreatment and legal disputes have been recurring issues.
6. What support is being provided to the victims’ families and survivors?
The Indonesian government has pledged legal assistance and close monitoring of the survivors who are receiving medical treatment in Malaysia. Officials have also promised to support Basri’s family in seeking justice.
7. What steps is Indonesia taking to prevent similar incidents in the future?
Indonesia is urging Malaysia to review its law enforcement policies regarding migrant workers and is pushing for stronger legal protections for Indonesian citizens working abroad. There are also calls from human rights groups to improve cross-border migrant worker agreements.
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