Indonesia to Investigate Ferry Fire, Prioritizing Maritime Safety

The Indonesian government has pledged to swiftly investigate the cause of a fire that erupted on the KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2 ferry in the waters north of Sumenep, Madura, on Sunday, August 2nd. Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), confirmed that the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) will lead the inquiry into the incident. AHY expressed deep condolences and concern for those affected, assuring that all victims would receive the best possible care. The Ministry of Transportation, via the Directorate General of Sea Transportation, is working with Search and Rescue (SAR) teams to finalize the evacuation process and verify passenger data. "The Ministry of Transportation, in this case the Directorate General of Sea Transportation, is still ensuring the verification of ship evacuation passenger data together, in cooperation with the SAR team, then patrol boats," AHY stated in Bangkalan, East Java. He stressed the government's commitment to uncovering the exact cause of the fire. The investigation will scrutinize the vessel's condition, the qualifications of its crew and passengers, and weather factors. "The investigation will be carried out by KNKT, the National Transportation Safety Committee, and it will take time to explain to all of us what the cause is," AHY explained. He underscored the paramount importance of safety in maritime transportation, advocating for strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), contingency plans, weather mitigation, and ensuring vessels are seaworthy to prevent recurrences. The KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2, operating between Surabaya and Makassar, was reportedly carrying around 250 passengers when the fire broke out.

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The Ministry of Transportation, in this case the Directorate General of Sea Transportation, is still ensuring the verification of ship evacuation passenger data together, in cooperation with the SAR team, then patrol boats.