Indonesia to evaluate ferry operator after fire, prioritizing passenger reconciliation

The Ministry of Transportation plans to evaluate the operator of the KMP Mutiara Sentosa II ferry following a fire that occurred on Sunday, August 2, 2026, in the waters off Sumenep, East Java. The ferry was carrying around 250 passengers from Surabaya to Makassar when the incident happened, and the exact number of casualties is still unconfirmed.

Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi stated in Surabaya on Monday, August 3, that the evaluation of the operator would commence after the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) concludes its investigation into the cause of the fire. This is particularly significant as the ferry reportedly had a previous fire incident.

"We will evaluate, but the most important thing is to first see the causes from the KNKT. This will be a lesson learned for us and an evaluation for the company concerned," Purwagandhi said. He emphasized that the investigation's findings are crucial before any assessment of the operator's performance can be made.

Beyond operator assessment, the ministry is prioritizing the reconciliation of passenger manifests with the number of evacuated individuals. Several lifeboats have yet to reach Tanjung Perak Port. Purwagandhi noted that discrepancies arise from passengers canceling trips without updating manifests and the discovery of five children not listed on the original manifest. He stressed the importance of accurate passenger records for ensuring victims' rights and confirming the availability of safety equipment, such as life jackets for children.