Indonesia Completes Ferry Fire Rescue Operation, All 275 Passengers and Crew Evacuated
Indonesian authorities have concluded search and rescue operations for the KMP Mutiara Sentosa II ferry fire that broke out in the Java Sea on August 2, successfully evacuating all 236 passengers and 39 crew members.
Indonesia Completes Ferry Fire Rescue Operation, All 275 Passengers and Crew Evacuated
Indonesian Deputy Transportation Minister Suntana announced Tuesday that search and rescue operations for the KMP Mutiara Sentosa II ferry fire have officially concluded, with all passengers and crew members successfully evacuated from the vessel that caught fire in the Java Sea.
The roll-on/roll-off passenger ferry, operated by PT Atosim Lampung Pelayaran, was traveling its regular route between Surabaya in East Java and Makassar in South Sulawesi when fire broke out at approximately 6 a.m. on Sunday, August 2. The vessel was carrying 236 passengers, mostly logistics truck drivers, along with 39 crew members and 181 vehicles, including trucks and an excavator.
We are deeply saddened by the incident that befell our brothers and sisters. Thank God, all rescue and evacuation processes have been completed today.
Suntana said during a press conference in Surabaya on Tuesday.
The fire nearly engulfed the vessel, forcing passengers to gather on the bridge and bow to escape the flames. The final evacuation involved transporting 62 passengers from Masalembu Island, a remote location in the Java Sea positioned approximately halfway between Madura and Borneo, about 150 kilometers from either landmass.
Government Response and Compensation
The government immediately deployed multiple agencies to manage the emergency, including the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Indonesian Military, and the National Police. Basarnas, a non-ministerial government agency with offices in all 33 provinces throughout Indonesia, coordinated the multi-agency response.
All survivors have been transported to hotels where accommodation expenses are being fully covered by the ship's operator during the recovery period. The government has processed financial compensation for victims and their families, with state-owned insurance company Jasa Raharja providing support.
Families of deceased victims received Rp50 million in compensation from Jasa Raharja, with an additional Rp75 million from its subsidiary PT Jasaraharja Putera, reflecting the state's commitment to protecting the public in the wake of transportation disasters.
Maritime Safety Concerns
The incident highlights ongoing maritime safety challenges in Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands where ferries serve as a common method of travel. The country has experienced a pattern of maritime accidents, with this fire occurring approximately one month after a ferry carrying more than 70 passengers sank near Selayar, a small island off South Sulawesi, in July 2026.
Suntana expressed appreciation to all parties involved in the emergency response, including the Transportation Ministry, Basarnas, the military, police, state-owned port operator Pelindo, the Tanjung Perak Harbormaster and Port Authority Office, and local administrations.
We extend our gratitude to all parties who contributed, offered support, and prayed for the smooth execution of this entire operation.
the deputy minister said.