AHY Expresses Condolences Over KM Mutiara Sentosa II Fire, Calls for Immediate Investigation

The Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, also known as AHY, has expressed deep condolences and concern regarding the fire incident involving the KM Mutiara Sentosa II in the northern waters of Madura. He expressed hope that all victims receive the best possible care and urged the government to conduct an immediate investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident, ensuring that passenger safety remains the top priority in maritime transport.

AHY stated that the Ministry of Transportation, through the Directorate General of Sea Transportation, alongside Search and Rescue (SAR) teams, will continue to ensure the evacuation process and the verification of passenger data. “In general, first, the Ministry of Transportation, specifically the Directorate General of Sea Transportation, is still ensuring the verification of passenger data from the evacuation, working together with the SAR team and patrol vessels,” AHY said in a statement on Sunday, 2 August 2026.

He emphasised that the government will launch an investigation immediately to uncover the precise cause of the incident. “The government will launch an investigation immediately, because we must know exactly what caused this incident,” he said.

Regarding maritime safety, AHY stressed the importance of re-checking vessel conditions, crew and passenger personnel, and weather conditions. “The investigation will be conducted by the KNKT (National Transportation Safety Committee), and it will take time to explain the cause to all of us,” AHY noted.

He reaffirmed that safety must be the primary priority in maritime transport operations. According to him, the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), fixed procedures, weather mitigation, and ensuring vessel seaworthiness must be continuously strengthened to prevent similar occurrences. The government is also actively encouraging the rejuvenation of vessel fleets to enhance safety and the quality of maritime transport services.

“We want to ensure that regarding maritime transport, it is ‘safety first’; we must ensure this. SOPs and fixed procedures must be implemented, passenger safety is number one, weather must be mitigated, and beyond that, we want to ensure ships are always in seaworthy condition without technical issues. Our spirit is indeed to continue rejuvenating our fleet,” he concluded.