TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Heri Akhmadi on Wednesday confered an honor to Japanese fishing company, FV Fukuseki Maru 15, for rescuing 20 Indonesian crewmen of the KM Bandar Nelayan 188 ship that had drowned in the Indian Ocean.

“The momentum that we commemorate today is to honor the bravery of the Japanese crewmen [during the accident] at the Indian Ocean,” said Heru Akhmadi in a press release received by Tempo on Wednesday, June 2. “The presence of the crewmen showcased an astonishing amount of care symbolizing the Japan-Indonesia brotherhood.”

In the event at the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Tokyo, the Ambassador symbolized Indonesia’s gratitude towards the courage shown by Kenichi Nishikawa the owner of Kabushiki Kaisha Fukuseki Maru.

Nishikawa, representing his countrymen who were there to save the Indonesian crewmen in distress, expressed gratitude for the honor by the Indonesian Embassy and asserted that recognitions such as these will only strengthen the maritime and fishery of the two nations.

A similar sentiment was expressed by the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s director general of Asia Pacific and Africa, Santo Darmosumarto, who said that this event further strengthens bilateral ties and the strategic partnership between Indonesia and Japan.

Meanwhile, an Official for Japan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, Hajime Ueda, expressed his gratitude for the accolade conveyed by the Indonesian government to members of the FV Fukuseki Maru 15. “I am overjoyed by the rescued KM Bandar Nelayan crewmen. Representing the Japanese government, I convey my utmost gratitude and hopefully [we will] maintain the partnership for years ahead.”

The Indonesian fishing boat was involved in an accident 650 miles West of Perth, Australia, over the Indian Ocean. Fortunately, 20 of the Bandar Nelayan crewmen were able to be rescued. The Indonesian crewmen returned to home country on the early morning of Friday, May 21, aboard Australia’s HMAS ANZAC.

AHMAD FAIZ IBNU SANI