The crew of the offshore support vessel Star Apollo, stranded in Indonesia since October 2024, is facing unpaid wages and poor living conditions. With the help of the ITF, they are seeking assistance to return to India. The escalating issue of seafarer abandonment highlights the need for better enforcement of maritime regulations to protect vulnerable crew members.
PT HDF Energy Indonesia, a subsidiary of HDF Energy, is collaborating with the Ministry of Transportation, PT PLN, and PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry to study decarbonizing Indonesia’s maritime sector with green hydrogen. This initiative aims to convert maritime fleets to zero-emission solutions, positioning Indonesia as a leader in green hydrogen innovation in the Asia-Pacific region.
A tragic incident unfolded on March 13, 2025, near Lamongan, Indonesia, as the tanker Ronggolawe 09 exploded during an illegal fuel transfer. The fire engulfed both ships involved, leading to the loss of three crew members. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the cause of the accident and locate missing individuals, emphasizing the dangers of illicit maritime activities.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) organized a table-top exercise with Indonesia and Malaysia to improve regional coordination for oil spills. Over 20 representatives from MPA, Indonesia, Malaysia, and ITOPF participated to enhance response capabilities in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. This initiative aims to foster collaboration and communication during oil spill incidents.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Directorate General of Sea Transportation (DGST) in Indonesia have extended their collaboration on training government officers in the maritime sector. The renewed MoU highlights the strong ties between the two countries and aims to address emerging challenges in the industry.
The Indian Coast Guard and the Indonesia Coast Guard have extended their MoU on Maritime Safety and Security Cooperation for three years, strengthening bilateral relations. A recent high-level meeting focused on enhancing operational interaction and capacity building in key areas. Both sides aim to share best practices and continue professional exchanges to create a safer Indo-Pacific region.
The cargo vessel MV. Suryani Ladjoni faced a leakage and began listing near Madura Island, Indonesia. Thanks to a quick rescue operation by Indonesian Authorities, all 18 crew members were safely evacuated. Despite challenging weather, the crew was transferred to another ship, KM. Palung Mas, without any casualties.
South Korean authorities are intensifying their search efforts for 12 missing crew members after a fishing vessel sank near Jeju Island. The Jeju Coast Guard deployed 47 ships and five aircraft for the search operation. Tragically, two crew members were found dead, while 10 South Korean and two Indonesian crew members remain missing.
A tugboat and barge crew were attacked by pirates near Tanjung Malatayur in Indonesia. The 14-member crew aboard the Royal TB 17 was robbed of cash, phones, radios, equipment, and cargo. Authorities are investigating the incident and providing support to the traumatized crew. Indonesian authorities are determined to apprehend the perpetrators.
Indonesian authorities are currently investigating a tragic incident involving an interisland tanker, the Elisabet Satu, which caught fire and exploded off the coast of Tepekong near Bali. The incident resulted in the loss of five crewmembers, with three severely burned and 12 others sustaining lesser injuries out of the total 21 crewmembers on board.
In the past reporting period, there were 60 incidents of maritime attacks, with 46 ships boarded and 8 attempted attacks. Perpetrators successfully boarded 84% of the attacked ships, with 85 individuals taken hostage. The use of guns and knives in these incidents has increased, underscoring the importance of regional maritime cooperation.
A court in Batam, Indonesia postponed the trial in a case involving a tanker caught in illegal activities. The master of the vessel disappeared before the session, adding complexity to the case. Ownership of the tanker, suspected of smuggling Iranian oil, remains disputed. The vessel faces potential seizure and auction, while the crew’s fate and pending charges hang in the balance.
