MV Sinar Kudus hijacking explained

Conflict:MV Sinar Kudus hijacking
Partof:Piracy in Somalia, Operation Ocean Shield
Place:456lk=inNaNlk=in off the coast of Somalia
Result:Indonesian victory
  • Pirate group defeated
  • Hostages rescued
Combatant1: Indonesia
Combatant2:Somali Pirates
Commander2:Unknown
Casualties1:None

The MV Sinar Kudus hijacking was a maritime event that began on 16 March 2011 with four pirates in the Indian Ocean seizing the cargo ship MV Sinar Kudus 456nmi east of Somali coast. The siege ended after a rescue effort by the Indonesian Navy on 1 May 2011.[1] It was the first pirate seizure of an Indonesian merchant ship off the Somali coast.

Background

On 16 March 2011, an Indonesian merchant ship, MV Sinar Kudus, was carrying nickel ore from South Sulawesi to Rotterdam when it was hijacked by Somali pirates in the Red Sea. After negotiations, the ship owner agreed to a ransom demand and restored the ship and crew to Indonesian authorities. It was then hijacked a second time by another group of pirates; after signalling "mayday" the ship's crew were supported by a group of Denjaka and Kopassus from KRI Abdul Halim Perdanakusuma which secured the ship. A further group of Denjaka and Kopassus were deployed using a Bo 105 helicopter to strafe the pirates, all of whom were killed.

There were plans and preparations for an amphibious landing on Somalia by the Indonesian commanders if the hostages had been brought ashore, but as the hostages and ship were rescued at sea, the plan was not executed.[2]

Notes and References

  1. News: 2 May 2011 . Kronologi Pembebasan Sinar Kudus, Uang Tebusan Dihitung Hingga Malam . Detik News . 23 February 2018.
  2. News: Santoso . Beryl . Pembebasan MV Sinar Kudus, TNI Hampir Lakukan Serangan Amfibi Menggeruduk Markas Perompak Somalia - Zona Jakarta - Halaman 4 . 8 October 2021 . Pikiran Rakyat . 21 November 2020 . id.