Indonesia Minister Expresses Concern Over Ferry Fire, Prioritizes Safety

Indonesian Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) conveyed deep sorrow and concern following a fire aboard the KMP Mutiara Sentosa ferry in the waters north of Madura. He emphasized that passenger safety remains the utmost priority in sea transportation.

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At the same time, the government will immediately investigate to determine the exact cause of the incident while ensuring passenger safety remains the top priority in the operation of sea transportation.

"At the same time, the government will immediately investigate to determine the exact cause of the incident while ensuring passenger safety remains the top priority in the operation of sea transportation," AHY stated in a written press release on Sunday, August 2, 2026. He added that the Ministry of Transportation, through the Directorate General of Sea Transportation and the Search and Rescue (SAR) team, is actively working to verify passenger data and ensure the evacuation process is thorough.

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Government will immediately launch an investigation, because we must know exactly what caused this incident.

AHY stressed the importance of a thorough investigation by the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) to uncover the incident's cause. He also highlighted the need for rigorous checks on vessel conditions, human resources, and weather factors. "We want to ensure that for sea transportation, safety first, of course, we must ensure this. SOPs are followed, protocols are followed, passenger safety is number one, weather must also be mitigated. Furthermore, we want to ensure the ship is always in seaworthy condition, with no technical problems, and our spirit is to continue rejuvenating our ships," he said.

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Investigation will be conducted by KNKT, the National Transportation Safety Committee, and it will take time to explain to all of us what the cause is.

The government is committed to strengthening safety standards, including operational procedures and weather mitigation. AHY also emphasized the ongoing push for fleet rejuvenation to enhance the safety and quality of sea transportation services, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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We want to ensure that for sea transportation, safety first, of course, we must ensure this. SOPs are followed, protocols are followed, passenger safety is number one, weather must also be mitigated. Furthermore, we want to ensure the ship is always in seaworthy condition, with no technical problems, and our spirit is to continue rejuvenating our ships.