Indonesian legislator reviews maritime safety after ferry fire

Member of Commission VII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Bambang Haryo Soekartono (BHS), visited Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi to assess the aftermath of the KM Mutiara Sentosa 2 ferry fire incident.

BHS reported that the handling of the victims has shown positive developments. He stated that out of seven patients initially admitted to PHC Hospital, only three remained, with one already discharged, leaving two currently under care. "This is good," BHS commented during his visit to the hospital in Surabaya, East Java, on Wednesday (August 12, 2026).

Expressing his condolences for the victims, including those who died, BHS emphasized the need to learn from the incident. He urged the government to use this event as an opportunity to enhance the national search and rescue (SAR) system, preventing similar tragedies in the future. "I offer my condolences and deep sympathy for the victims, including those who died. We must learn from this and check everything to the maximum, as handled by KNKT," he said.

As the Chairman of the Central Indonesian Transportation Society (MTI), BHS affirmed that ship accident investigations follow clear legal mechanisms. He clarified that the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) is responsible for investigations, as mandated by Law Number 17 of 2008 concerning Shipping. The KNKT, along with civil servant investigators from the Ministry of Transportation, reports its findings to the minister, who then forwards them to the maritime court. "There are no other investigators formed besides KNKT and PPNS, in accordance with Law Number 17 of 2008," BHS stated.