SP-Indonesia.com, Singapore – A tragic fate befell Ashari Samadikun (33), a tanker captain from Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi, who is now the victim of a hostage taking by pirates in Somali waters.
The incident occurred on April 21, 2026, while Ashari was commanding the United Arab Emirates flagged tanker Honor 25 on an international shipping route known for its piracy.
Ashari is no stranger to the maritime world. He is an alumnus of the Makassar Maritime Polytechnic (PIP), where he studied from 2009 to 2015. This educational background provided a strong foundation for his career as a professional sailor on the international stage.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Ashari has extensive experience in various shipping companies, both domestically and internationally. He has served as Chief Officer at Global Tanker Private Limited, based in the United Arab Emirates, since November 2021.
Previously, he also worked as Second Officer at Fultonn Petroleum Sdn. Bhd in Selangor, Malaysia, since April 2019. His other experience includes stints at Shin Yang Shipping Sdn. Bhd in Sarawak, Malaysia (February–October 2017), and at Soechi Group in Jakarta (July 2016–January 2017).
He began his career as a Deck Cadet at Soechi Group from August 2012 to August 2013, before being entrusted with greater responsibility as Chief Officer of USDA Seroja Jaya in 2016.
With this track record, Ashari is known as an experienced seafarer who has traveled various international shipping routes.
To date, there has been no official statement regarding Ashari’s current condition or any efforts made by the authorities to free him. This case adds to the long list of security threats facing Indonesian seafarers working in high-risk waters like Somalia.
(Singapore Reporter: Tri Astuti)
