"The repatriated Indonesian nationals consist of mothers and their children, pregnant mothers, the elderly, those who are ill, and Indonesian nationals incarcerated for more than six months," according to the Foreign Ministry's written statement.
The Indonesian nationals were repatriated aboard commercial flights to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Cengkareng, Banten, and Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, North Sumatra.
Some 129 Indonesians returned to Jakarta in three separate flight groups, while 87 others returned to Medan in two flight groups, according to the ministry.
The ministry also noted that 19 repatriated Indonesian nationals were underage, 14 suffered from illnesses that required outpatient services, and eight were over 60 years old.
Some repatriated nationals stated that the government's repatriation assistance enabled them to return home for the first time after being in Malaysia for decades.
"They are very thankful for the government's assistance, which allows them to reunite with their families and relatives after decades," according to the ministry.
Meanwhile, Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia Hermono, who sent off the repatriated Indonesians at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, said the repatriation took place due to sound bilateral relations.
"The expedited repatriation is a realization of the good Indonesia-Malaysia bilateral relations for the better protection of Indonesian nationals," Hermono affirmed.
He emphasized that to prevent arrest by the Malaysian immigration authority, residents should follow a safe and regular migration process.
The repatriated Indonesian nationals will be placed in government-provided facilities before their return to their hometowns. The Foreign Affairs Ministry also collaborated with relevant ministries and agencies, as well as local authorities, in the repatriation process.
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Translator: Yashinta Difa P, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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