JAKARTA – An Indonesian national shot by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) in a recent incident has succumbed to his injuries, the Foreign Ministry announced.
The victim passed away on Tuesday at Idris Shah Serdang Hospital in Selangor, where he had been receiving treatment since Jan 24 for gunshot wounds, including undergoing kidney surgery. Despite medical intervention, his condition deteriorated. Authorities have not released his identity, as he was found without any identification documents.
“Other Indonesian nationals receiving treatment at the same hospital claim not to know the victim. The Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur is working to establish his identity through biometric data,” the Foreign Ministry stated on Tuesday.
The ministry also reported that another victim, identified only as MH, had improved from a critical condition and was no longer in intensive care. His family in Aceh has been kept informed of his progress.
Meanwhile, two other injured Indonesians, identified as HA and MZ from Riau, have fully recovered. They remain in Malaysia for further questioning by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), although it remains unclear whether they are in police custody.
On Jan 24, a group of Indonesians attempted to leave the country illegally via the waters off Tanjung Rhu Beach in Selangor. APMM personnel intercepted them and opened fire, killing one man on the spot and injuring four others.
The remains of the deceased victim, identified as Basri, were repatriated to Indonesia last week. His body was laid to rest in his hometown on Rupat Island, Riau, after arriving in Pekanbaru on Jan 29.
During interviews with Indonesian Embassy representatives, the injured victims denied reports that they had clashed with APMM personnel. They also refuted claims of resisting arrest or threatening Malaysian authorities with sharp weapons.
Indonesia has urged a thorough investigation into whether the APMM used excessive force against the Indonesians, whom embassy officials suspect may have been victims of human trafficking.
In response, the PDRM has pledged a “comprehensive, fast, and transparent” investigation. According to the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, Selangor Police are probing three charges against APMM personnel, including alleged misuse of firearms under the 1960 Arms Act.
Additionally, the APMM has reportedly relieved the officers involved from duty and expressed willingness to cooperate with the investigation.
As part of the probe, Malaysian authorities arrested an Indonesian national on Feb. 1 for allegedly entering the country on a tourist visa. However, their role in the incident remains unclear. The Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has since sent a diplomatic note requesting clarification on the arrest and consular access for the detained individual.
“Our police attaché has been in communication with the Selangor Police chief, who confirmed on Tuesday that consular access would be granted soon,” the ministry stated.
The shooting incident was a key topic during President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Malaysia on Jan 27, where he met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur.
Following a leadership meeting of the Indonesian Military (TNI) and National Police in Jakarta on Jan 30, Prabowo reiterated Indonesia’s demand for a thorough investigation. He also urged Indonesian nationals abroad to avoid illegal activities and be wary of human trafficking schemes.
