Jakarta, MINA — Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is continuing efforts to secure the release of four Indonesian nationals being held hostage by pirates in Somalia following the hijacking of the tanker MT Honour 25 near the coastal town of Hafun.
Heni Hamidah, Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the ministry, said on Monday that authorities remain in close coordination with local officials, the vessel’s management, and other relevant parties involved in resolving the case.
According to information received by the government, the four Indonesians are in good health, have access to adequate supplies, and continue to receive their salaries during the period of captivity.
The hostages have been identified as Captain Ashari Samadikun from Gowa, South Sulawesi; Adi Faizal from Bulukumba, South Sulawesi; Wahudinanto from Pemalang, Central Java; and Fiki Mutakin from Bogor, West Java.
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They are among several crew members from different countries who were taken hostage when the vessel was seized while transiting waters off Somalia, a region long known for piracy risks.
Foreign Minister Sugiono previously confirmed that the Indonesian government has established communication channels with the pirates as part of ongoing efforts to secure the crew’s release.
The ministry is also working closely with Indonesian diplomatic missions in the region, including the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Nairobi, Kenya, and the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Karachi, Pakistan, to support negotiations and ensure the safety of the hostages.
The hijacking of MT Honour 25 occurred on April 22, 2026, near Hafun, Somalia. Maritime analysts say piracy risks in the region have increased as international shipping routes shift in response to security concerns in the Middle East.
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With more commercial vessels diverting through the Horn of Africa, maritime traffic has grown in waters that remain among the world’s most piracy-prone areas.
Meanwhile, the families of the hostages continue to appeal for swift action. Some relatives have called on Indonesian President to give direct attention to the case in hopes of accelerating negotiations.
The Indonesian government has reiterated its commitment to protecting citizens abroad and says it will continue pursuing all available avenues to ensure the safe return of the hostages and the rest of the crew.[]
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
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