But we need to verify the case further."Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno LP Marsudi said the government would verify eight criminals suspected to be Indonesians who have pirated Malaysian vessel Orkim Harmony.
"There are indications that the suspects are Indonesian people. But we need to verify the case further. We have coordinated with the Indonesian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. We hope the results will be published immediately," Retno said here on Saturday (June 20).
The Vietnamese waters authority has arrested at least eight suspected pirates who are believed to be Indonesian citizens in Thochu Island.
The suspects were using an orange life boat and claimed to be fishermen who drowned in the waters.
The local authority is suspicious because it is very rare that fishing vessels there are equipped with life boats.
Retno added if the suspects are from Indonesia, the ministry will ensure their rights to get legal defense.
Minister said there are also five Indonesian crew members of the Orkim Harmony tanker vessel. The five Indonesian crew members are save although one of them suffered a shot injury.
The Orkim Harmony was hijacked by several pirates in the Singapore Waters on Thursday (June 11).
At least 22 ship crews were arrested in a week before the pirates escaped using a life boat on Thursday (June 18).
(Uu.B019/A014)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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