ASDP Confirms Ongoing Response to KMP Batumandi Fire
PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) says its response to the fire aboard the KMP Batumandi in waters near Merak Port on Tuesday (20 October 2026) is continuing after the blaze was extinguished at 9.02 pm local time. Ferry services are being closely monitored to ensure passenger safety. ASDP President Director Heru Widodo said all passengers and crew had been evacuated, and no fatalities had been reported.
“ASDP is continuing its post-incident response in coordination with joint response teams and relevant agencies. This includes monitoring passengers’ condition, facilitating their return journeys and monitoring Merak–Bakauheni ferry operations,” Heru said in a written statement in Jakarta on Wednesday (21 October 2026).
Heru said the company was continuing to coordinate with all relevant parties to ensure the response proceeded properly, particularly in meeting passengers’ needs after the evacuation. He thanked the joint teams for their swift work and coordination at the scene.
“Our focus now is to ensure passengers who need assistance receive appropriate support, while coordinating all follow-up measures with the relevant authorities,” Heru said.
Some passengers received medical treatment at KS Hospital and Merak Community Health Centre, Heru added. ASDP is coordinating with healthcare facilities to monitor their condition and ensure their medical needs are met.
“For passengers who have been discharged, ASDP is also facilitating their return journeys to ensure they can travel back safely and smoothly,” Heru said.
The company has also set up coordination posts in Merak and Bakauheni to support the response and provide information. The posts are intended to facilitate coordination between parties, monitor passengers’ needs and ensure updates to the public are based on verified information.
ASDP Corporate Secretary Windy Andale said the company was also monitoring Merak–Bakauheni operations to anticipate any impact on services. Coordination with relevant parties would ensure any operational adjustments reflected conditions on the ground, while taking account of passengers’ safety and comfort.
“We understand that this incident is also a matter of concern for the public and our customers,” Windy said.
ASDP would continue its post-incident response while working to maintain the smooth running of ferry services, she said. Windy urged passengers to follow instructions from staff at the scene and check official updates before travelling.
ASDP is committed to overseeing all follow-up measures, including meeting passengers’ needs, coordinating with healthcare facilities and monitoring operations with relevant agencies, Windy said. She added that safety and security remained the company’s top priorities in all ferry services.