Owner of KMP Mutiara Sentosa II apologizes for ship fire tragedy

The company that owns and operates the KMP Mutiara Sentosa II ferry has issued an apology following a fire incident that occurred in the waters north of Sumenep, Madura Island, East Java. The blaze, which happened over the weekend, tragically resulted in loss of life.

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We apologize to all parties for this unfortunate incident.

Asep Suparman, Director of Operations and Commercial at PT Atosim Lampung Pelayaran, conveyed the company's regret during a press conference in Surabaya. "We apologize to all parties for this unfortunate incident," he stated, emphasizing that the management has secured insurance for the victims, including those who lost their lives and sustained injuries, as well as for the vehicles involved.

Suparman reiterated the apology, describing the fire as a "misfortune." However, he declined to provide definitive conclusions regarding the ship's seaworthiness or the exact cause of the fire, pending the results of the ongoing investigation by the relevant authorities.

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Regarding the victims, vehicles, and fatalities, management has already insured them.

The National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) and the police have commenced their inquiries into the incident. "The KNKT has already started. We cannot speculate; it is better to wait for the conclusions from the police," Suparman added.

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Once again, we apologize for this incident.

The KMP Mutiara Sentosa II, which was traveling from Surabaya to Makassar, caught fire on Sunday morning. As of Tuesday afternoon, search and rescue operations coordinated by Basarnas had evacuated 238 individuals, but five were confirmed deceased. The search and rescue operation has officially concluded and transitioned to routine preparedness monitoring.

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The KNKT has already started. We cannot speculate; it is better to wait for the conclusions from the police.