Condemns PMI Shooting, Deputy Head Of DPR Supports Indonesian Embassy In Sending Diplomatic Notes To Malaysian Government For Investigation

Illustration - The Karimun Police Polairud Team together with SAR Kapri conducted an operation to search for victims of marine accidents of the sinking ship carrying Indonesian citizens from Johor, Malaysia in Karimun Waters, Riau Islands, Tuesday. ANTARA/HO-Polres Karimun

JAKARTA - Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal condemned the shooting of 5 Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) carried out by Malaysian authorities, causing 1 person to die. He supported the steps taken by the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Kuala Lumpur to send a diplomatic note to the Malaysian Government to encourage an investigation into the incident.

Including the possibility of excessive use of force in this case.

"Indonesia must hold Malaysia accountable for the shooting problem that killed our citizens," said Cucun, Tuesday, January 28.

Cucun also asked the Government through relevant agencies to provide protection for victims who are currently still undergoing treatment at health facilities in Malaysia.

"Deep condolences for PMI who were killed and injured as a result of the shooting in Tanjung Rhu Waters, Malaysia," he said.

As is known, Indonesian citizens (WNI) who are migrant workers were shot in the waters of Tanjung Rhu, Malaysia on Friday, January 24. The PMI shooting incident was carried out by the Malaysian Maritime Authority, namely the Malaysian Maritime Strengthening Agency (APMM).

As a result of the shooting, one PMI died and four others were injured, including one critical person. Those who were injured were reportedly Acehnese, while the victim died from Riau.

According to information, the shooting occurred when 26 unprocedural PMIs were about to leave Malaysia illegally by boat. In the middle of the trip, the boat they were riding was chased by the APMM patrol boat. APMM officers are said to have fired blindly at the boat from a distance of 20 meters to 25 meters.

Cucun also assessed that the use of firearms by APMM could not be justified and was too excessive.

"If there really has to be warnings and actions, you should use soft approaches. The use of firearms by officers to civilians is very excessive," said the legislator from the West Java II electoral district.

In addition to supporting diplomatic notes, Cucun, always the leadership of the DPR, also asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs together with the Indonesian Embassy and the Ministry of Protection for Indonesian Migrant Workers (PPMI) and the police attach to continue to coordinate with the Malaysian Government regarding the handling of victims.

Currently, said Cucun, the Government is coordinating with authorities in Malaysia so that it can assist the handling of bodies and PMIs being treated in hospitals.

Moreover, the PMI who was injured is still under the supervision of the Malaysian Maritime Strengthening Agency. For this reason, Cucun hopes that these PMIs will immediately receive assistance from the Indonesian Government.

Both to supervise the injured PMI, as well as assistance related to legal issues for them. Our PMI must receive protection from the state. The government must also ensure accountability of the legal process by the Malaysian authorities," concluded Cucun.