Protest Erupts at Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta Over Fatal Shooting of Indonesian Migrant Worker

Around 100 protesters gathered outside the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta on January 30, 2025, to demonstrate against the fatal shooting of an Indonesian migrant worker by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA). The shooting occurred on January 24, when MMEA officers opened fire on a boat carrying five Indonesian nationals off the coast of Tanjung Rhu, Banting, Malaysia. The incident left one dead and four others injured.

The protesters, composed of members from human rights groups and labor unions, threw eggs at the embassy’s wall and displayed banners demanding the arrest of the officers involved in the shooting.

In response to the tragedy, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for a full investigation, expressing concerns over the potential excessive use of force by MMEA personnel.

The body of the deceased, identified as 50-year-old Basri, was repatriated to Indonesia on January 29 and taken to his hometown of Pulau Rupat in Bengkalis.

In Malaysia, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged a thorough investigation into the incident, hoping it will not strain the strong ties between the two neighboring nations.