After drifting at sea for 12 days and entering Philippine waters, Jufri Mokodompis, a 53-year-old resident of Girian Indah, Bitung City, North Sulawesi, was repatriated to Indonesia on Wednesday, August 14, 2025.
He returned to Manado via Garuda Airlines and was welcomed at Sam Ratulangi Airport.
Colonel Tio Togap Pasaribu, Head of Operations for the Central Zone of the Indonesian Coast Guard (Bakamla RI), confirmed the sequence of events.
“Today we welcomed Mr Jufri, who drifted for 12 days and was rescued by the Bahamian-flagged foreign vessel Asia Endeavor, which was sailing from New Zealand to Tokyo,” he said at the airport, as reported by Antara.
Chronology of the Incident and Rescue
The incident began on 17 July 2025, when Jufri was on duty as a guard of a fish aggregating device approximately 21 miles from Lembeh Island, Bitung.
Bad weather struck suddenly, causing the rope securing the equipment to break. Without control, Jufri was carried away by strong currents and drifted far into Philippine waters.
News of his disappearance was received on 29 July 2025, when the owner of the fish trap, Juma Sanali, reported the incident to Bakamla. The information was passed to Bakamla headquarters, which then coordinated search and rescue efforts.
“The information was forwarded to Bakamla headquarters, which then coordinated with the Japanese coast guard and was assisted by the coast guard of a friendly nation,” explained Colonel Tio.
During this period, the Bahamian-flagged vessel Asia Endeavour encountered Jufri at sea. The ship, travelling between New Zealand and Tokyo, rescued him and later coordinated with the relevant authorities.
Bakamla also contacted the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo to provide support. “On 9 August 2025, we received news that he had been secured at the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo and would return on 12 August, arriving today in Manado to meet his wife and children,” added Colonel Tio.
Return and Reunion in Manado
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Following arrangements by Bakamla and the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, Jufri returned home.
His arrival at Sam Ratulangi Airport in Manado was marked by an emotional reunion with his family. As he appeared at the gate, his wife and child rushed to greet him, embracing him with tears of relief.
In a soft voice, Jufri expressed gratitude. “Thank you to Allah, I am safe and able to reunite with my family. Thank you also to Bakamla, Asia Endeavour, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and all parties who helped me,” he said.
The case highlights the role of international cooperation in maritime incidents. Bakamla coordinated with multiple agencies, including the Japanese coast guard, while the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo ensured that Jufri was protected under international procedures until his return.
Colonel Tio stressed that this operation was the result of timely reporting, coordination, and assistance from international partners.
Meanwhile, the story of Jufri’s safe return has brought relief not only to his family but also to the local community in Bitung, where fishing activities remain an important livelihood.
