Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) confirmed on Tuesday (3/2/2026) that one Indonesian crew member) from the hijacked Chinese-flagged vessel, Liao Dong Yu 578, safely returned to Indonesia on 15 January 2026. 

However, five other Indonesian sailors remain on board the vessel, which was seized by pirates in the waters of Bandarbeyla, Puntland, Somalia, on 31 December 2025.

"The Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi continues to coordinate with authorities to conduct direct negotiations with the hijackers," said the Ministry’s Spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang, as quoted by antaranews.com.

She explained that efforts are focused on ensuring the safety and health of the remaining captives. Given the high-risk nature of piracy negotiations, Yvonne urged the public and the media to exercise caution in sharing information to avoid jeopardizing the ongoing rescue mission. 

The Directorate for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens is working closely with diplomatic channels in East Africa to secure the release of the remaining five sailors as soon as possible.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)