The Indonesian Consulate General in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Soepeno Sahid, said the workers are all fine while his offices keeps monitoring the situation and communicating with local authorities.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - As many as 162 Indonesian oil palm plantation workers in Lahad Datu in the Malysian state of Sabah have been evacuated to a location around six kilometers away from the conflict center.
They will remain the location until situation is really safe, according to a press statement from the foreign ministry received here on Monday.
The ministry`s director of information and media, PLE Priatna, said in the statement "a total of 162 workers in the Sahabat 17 oil palm plantation have been evacuated to Embara Complex around six kilometers from the scene."
The Indonesian Consulate General in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Soepeno Sahid, meanwhile said the workers are all fine while his offices keeps monitoring the situation and communicating with local authorities.
He appealed to all Indonesian citizens to avoid danger and becoming victims in the clash.
He said right now ships are not allowed to call at or sail near the area and "Indonesian crew members have been given days off."
According to ANTARA sources conflict between followers Sulu Sultanate members from the Philippines and Malaysian forces has been escalating.
The Sulu Sultanate meanwhile has been determined not to withdraw from Lahad Datu which it claims to be its territory.
The Sulu Sultanate has rejected to withdraw its troops from Lahad Datu in Sabah and the peace agreement which it considered unfair.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
