Komnas HAM: Shooting of Indonesian Citizens in Tanjung Rhu Not the First Time in Malaysia
Komnas HAM states that the shooting of five Indonesian citizens in the waters of Tanjung Rhu by Malaysian authorities was not the first incident.
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's National Human Rights Commission () stated that the shooting of five Indonesian citizens in the waters of Tanjung Rhu, Selangor by authorities was not the first incident in the neighboring country. The shooting that occurred on January 24, 2025 by personnel from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) resulted in the death of a migrant worker from Riau and four other people being injured.
"In previous years, similar incidents have also occurred in Malaysia," said Komnas HAM's Human Rights Advancement Subcommission Coordinator Anis Hidayah, when contacted on Thursday, January 29, 2025.
Anis asked the Indonesian government to encourage Malaysian authorities to enforce the law fairly. Komnas HAM regrets the incident because it violates the right to life, something that is fundamental and cannot be reduced under any circumstances. "The government has an obligation to ensure that this right is fulfilled."
Director of Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Judha Nugraha said that based on the report of the Royal Malaysian Police, the ship carrying Indonesian citizens hit the patrolling APMM ship four times. The Indonesian citizens also threatened them with machetes. "Because of that, they opened fire," said Judha, Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Kuala Lumpur is seeking information from Indonesian citizens who survived the shooting case by Malaysian security forces. Based on the victim's statement, they denied attacking the patrol ship as accused by APMM.
"There was no resistance from the ship carrying the Indonesian citizens," said the Indonesian Embassy's Police Attaché in Malaysia, Senior Commissioner Juliarman Eka Putra Pasaribu to Tempo via written message, Saturday, February 1, 2025.
In response to this incident, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a diplomatic note to Malaysia to encourage a thorough investigation, including highlighting the possibility of excessive use of force.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur will continue to monitor the development of this case and provide consular and legal assistance to ensure that the rights of Indonesian citizens are fulfilled in the legal system in Malaysia," said the Director of Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Judha Nugraha.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also sent a diplomatic note to Malaysia to encourage a thorough investigation, including highlighting the possibility of excessive use of force. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur will continue to monitor the development of this case and provide consular and legal assistance to ensure that the rights of Indonesian citizens are fulfilled in the legal system in Malaysia," said Judha.
The case adds to the long list of shootings of Indonesian citizens by authorities. Migrant Care recorded 75 cases of shootings of Indonesian citizens in Malaysia from 2005-2025. President Prabowo Subianto stated that he had discussed the case when he met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday, January 27, 2025. "I remind you not to get involved in illegal activities," he said.
Nandito Putra contributed to the writing of this article.
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