TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) Cape Town, South Africa, assisted in the return of an Indonesian vessel crew member (ABK) from Tegal, MK, back to Indonesia. MK experienced depression and was residing temporarily in South Africa. The Indonesian Consul General in Cape Town, Tudiono, said in a statement on Sunday evening that MK's repatriation had been carried out since Sunday.

According to Tudiono, the government, in this case, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “pays close attention to the protection of Indonesian citizens including vessel crew members, who face problems abroad".

KJRI assisted in both accessing treatment and returning home. While in Cape Town, KJRI provided assistance and took MK to the mental health clinic at Akeso Milnerton Clinic Milpark Center Cape Town and was treated by a psychiatrist.

KJRI also facilitated MK's video connection with his wife and family in Indonesia to restore his mental condition. "After treatment, MK's condition gradually improved and he was declared fit to fly back to Indonesia. On the afternoon of February 19, 2024, MK arrived at Soekarno-Hatta airport," said Tudiono.

MK was suspected of having depression since January 29, 2024. KJRI in Cape Town was contacted by Muneefah Abrahams, Head of Immigration at Port Cape via an emergency call.

MK's depression was triggered by the news of the death of his mother shortly before he returned to work on a Japanese-flagged ship.

MK's return was accompanied by nurses and consular staff from the KJRI in Cape Town to ensure that he arrived safely and securely in Indonesia. Meanwhile, 17 other Indonesian crew members working with MK on the Japanese-flagged ship have sailed back to the seas off Antarctica to catch tuna.

ANTARA

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