A fisherman from Subi Island, Natuna Regency, Riau Islands, identified as Syahruddin, was reported stranded in the Kuching area of Malaysia on Saturday afternoon (13/12). The incident occurred after the GPS device used for navigation malfunctioned, causing the fishing vessel to unintentionally drift into the waters of a neighboring country.
According to the Director of the Sarawak Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), First Admiral (Maritime) Mohd Khairi Abd Aziz, the incident was first noticed by residents of Telaga Air Village. Local villagers contacted the Kuching Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC) after spotting a fishing boat approaching the jetty in an uncontrolled condition.
In response to the report, the Sarawak MMEA promptly deployed a team to the location. Officers found the vessel’s captain safe and unharmed. The MRSC Kuching subsequently filed a police report in Batu Kawa before handing the fisherman over to representatives of the Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Kuching for further handling.
Upon receiving the information, Natuna Regent Cen Sui Lan immediately coordinated with the Indonesian Consulate General in Kuching to ensure the well-being of the fisherman from Natuna. The Regent also requested the assistance of the Consulate in facilitating Syahruddin’s repatriation and meeting his basic needs during his stay in Malaysia.
The Indonesian Consulate General in Kuching confirmed that the fisherman from Subi Island was in good condition and had received assistance from local residents. The Consulate also helped process the necessary administrative arrangements for his return and provided 1,500 liters of diesel fuel to support the journey back to Indonesia.
The fisherman is scheduled to return to Natuna the following day, once weather conditions are declared safe.
Natuna Regent Cen Sui Lan expressed her appreciation and gratitude to all parties involved, particularly the Indonesian Consulate General in Kuching and Malaysian authorities, for their assistance and cooperation in ensuring the fisherman’s safe return home.
She also reassured the fisherman’s family not to worry, emphasizing that the situation has been properly handled through direct coordination with the Indonesian Consulate in Kuching, and that Syahruddin will be returning home shortly. (Prokopim/Patli)
RILIS PERS, Number : 0584/PRO_KOPIM/2025
