[hanomantoto]

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The Indonesian government is asking South Korea to intensify search efforts, even if it is necessary to exceed the time limit, for two missing crew members or Indonesian crew members (ABK WNI) until they are found.

“The search efforts for the two Indonesian crew members should continue even if it is necessary to exceed the 3×24-hour limit,” said Charge d’Affaires ad interim (KUAI) of the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul Zelda Wulan Kartika in an official statement received in Jakarta on Saturday, November 9, 2024.

Zelda stated that the embassy had met with relevant authorities of the South Korean government on Friday regarding the handling of the fishing vessel “Geumseong 135” which sank near the waters of Jeju Island on November 8, 2024. The vessel was carrying 11 Indonesian crew members.

She conveyed her concern and condolences for the tragedy and her deep appreciation for the prompt efforts of the Korean government to search for and rescue the crew members while urging the local authorities to continue their intensive search efforts.

Zelda also met with rescued Indonesian crew members to ensure they were all in good and healthy condition. She urged the crew members who have received medical treatment to remain calm, rest, and communicate with their families in Indonesia.

“The Indonesian government, through the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, with the support of local authorities, will continue to work to ensure optimal care and protection for all Indonesian crew members,” Zelda said.

The Korean-flagged fishing vessel ‘Geumseong 135’ sank in the waters off Jeju Island, South Korea, on November 8, 2024, at 04:33 local time. The vessel had a crew of 27, including 16 South Koreans and 11 Indonesian nationals.

As of Friday, 15 crew members, including nine Indonesian crew members, have been found, while 10 South Korean crew members and two Indonesian crew members remain unaccounted for. Current efforts are focused on locating the missing crew members.

The Indonesian Embassy in Seoul continues to coordinate and communicate intensively with various relevant parties in South Korea, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, the South Korean Coast Guard, as well as the agents and owners of the vessel.

The incident has become a major news story in South Korea. President Yoon Suk-yeol has instructed his staff to mobilize all resources and personnel to conduct the search and rescue of the crew members, including the care and recovery of the rescued crew members.

ANTARA

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