Dozens of Indonesians demonstrated outside the Malaysian embassy in Jakarta on Thursday, February 1, 2025, in response to the fatal shooting of an Indonesian migrant worker in Malaysian waters. The incident occurred on January 24, when a 50-year-old migrant worker was killed and four others were injured after the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) reportedly opened fire on their boat, alleging trespassing off Tanjung Rhu Beach in Selangor state.
The body of the deceased worker was received by Indonesian authorities in Riau province on January 25. Nearly 100 protesters from various rights organizations and labor groups gathered outside the embassy, located on a major street in downtown Jakarta. The demonstrators expressed their anger by throwing eggs at the embassy, which left the state symbol of Malaysia covered with egg remnants and stained the building’s exterior.
Protesters carried signs demanding, “Prosecute and jail Malaysian police who shot dead Indonesian migrant worker.” This tragic event ignited a nationwide outcry in Indonesia, fueled further by a video circulating on social media that depicted several Indonesian migrants displaying visible gunshot wounds while slumped next to their colleague’s body.
Wahyu Susilo, Executive Director of Migrant Care, an advocacy group representing Indonesian migrant workers, emphasized that this incident is part of a concerning pattern, noting that there have been at least 75 documented deaths of Indonesian migrant workers allegedly caused by Malaysian authorities since 2005. The organization's calls for accountability reflect a growing frustration with the perceived negligence of the Indonesian government in addressing the safety of its citizens abroad.
In response to the shooting, Indonesia's Foreign Affairs Ministry issued a statement on January 25, acknowledging that the incident occurred while the five Indonesian workers were attempting to illegally leave Malaysia. The ministry demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the shooting and scrutinized the possible excessive use of force by APMM officials.
Following the incident, President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia expressed his commitment to addressing the issues facing Indonesian migrant workers during a recent visit to Malaysia. He emphasized the need for collaboration with the Malaysian government to resolve bilateral issues, particularly those related to manpower, stating, “We will resolve our bilateral issues, including those surrounding manpower. We have agreed to increase cooperation in all sectors.” This statement was made alongside Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, just three days after the shooting took place.
The protest against the Malaysian embassy is indicative of a broader frustration among Indonesians regarding the treatment of migrant workers and highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms to safeguard their rights. As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the demand for justice and accountability will likely grow louder within Indonesia.
