Indonesia to Investigate Cause of Fatal KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2 Ship Fire

Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) will launch an immediate investigation into the cause of a fire that erupted on the KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2 passenger vessel. The incident occurred on Sunday while the ship was navigating waters off Sumenep Regency, East Java.

Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono confirmed the investigation, emphasizing the government's commitment to passenger safety in maritime transportation. "The government will immediately launch an investigation because we need to know the exact cause of this incident," he stated. The KNKT investigation is expected to take time before official findings are released.

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The government will immediately launch an investigation because we need to know the exact cause of this incident.

While awaiting results, search and rescue teams continue to evacuate victims and verify passenger manifests. The Ministry of Transportation is working with SAR teams and patrol vessels to cross-check data. Minister Yudhoyono stressed the importance of re-evaluating vessel conditions, crew preparedness, passenger capacities, and weather shifts, alongside strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent future accidents.

Data from Basarnas indicated that 236 people were evacuated from the vessel, including 231 survivors and five fatalities. The KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2 was traveling from Surabaya to Makassar when the fire broke out between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Western Indonesian Time. Communication with the captain was lost shortly after the fire started.

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We want to ensure that maritime transportation prioritizes safety. SOPs are implemented, standard operating procedures are followed, and passenger safety is paramount. We must also mitigate weather conditions and ensure ships remain seaworthy.