Indonesia Condemns Bab Al-Mandeb Attack That Injured Indonesians

Indonesia has strongly condemned the recent attack on a merchant vessel in the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait off the coast of Yemen, particularly the attack on the MV Tihamah which injured Indonesian crew members. Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono conveyed these condemnations in a telephone conversation with Yemeni Foreign Minister Afrah Abdulaziz Al-Zouba on August 12, according to Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang.

Sugiono emphasized the urgency of steps to prevent further escalation of tensions following the attack. He expressed gratitude to the Yemeni government for its assistance in aiding the affected Indonesian crew members and for facilitating consular access. The Indonesian commitment to regional peace and stability, as well as conflict prevention, was reiterated by Sugiono.

The condition of the three Indonesian crew members aboard the MV Tihamah remains unclear. Heni Hamidah, Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that two were safe, while one was still missing. Another crew member had sustained minor injuries but did not require hospital care. The crew, consisting of 8 Pakistani and 3 Indonesian citizens, was reported missing following the incident.

The Indonesian Embassy in Muscat is taking measures to protect the remaining Indonesian crew members, including preparing for their potential repatriation if conditions allow. Initial reports from Yemen's government-affiliated television station Al-Jumhuriya TV claim that the attack resulted in the deaths of two Pakistani nationals, although the Houthi group claimed responsibility for the assault. The Bab Al-Mandeb Strait, an entrance to the Red Sea located on the Arabian Peninsula, is the scene of ongoing tensions.