ASDP-Owned KMP Batumandi Sinks After Being Gutted by Fire
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) is moving quickly to strengthen its response after the KMP Batumandi sank in waters near Merak Port on Wednesday (21 October 2026) evening. In coordination with relevant parties, ASDP is stepping up measures to secure the site, address the impact of the incident and prepare for work on the vessel, ensuring that all processes are coordinated with the safety and smooth flow of shipping as priorities.
ASDP President Director Heru Widodo said the company was swiftly coordinating the response to the KMP Batumandi with the relevant authorities and other parties. The effort is intended to ensure that each stage of the response can be prepared promptly and in a measured manner, while prioritising navigational safety.
“Since the incident occurred, we have continued to coordinate with all relevant parties to accelerate the response to the KMP Batumandi. Our focus is to ensure that the site is secured, the impact of the incident is addressed and preparations for work on the vessel are coordinated and carried out in accordance with procedure. We are ensuring that every step prioritises navigational safety and security,” Heru said.
As part of efforts to secure the site, the relevant team installed marker buoys near the sunken vessel on Wednesday afternoon. The measure is intended to help identify the vessel’s location and minimise potential risks to nearby shipping activity.
Oil booms have also been deployed as part of the response. The equipment is intended to help contain the spread of oil on the water’s surface.
ASDP is preparing the next stages of the vessel’s recovery through a salvage operation. The salvage team is scheduled to arrive in Merak at around 10am Western Indonesia Time on Thursday (22 October) to support technical preparations. The KMP Batumandi will be righted before being moved to a shipyard. The operation will take into account the vessel’s condition, the characteristics of the waters and safety and security considerations in the surrounding area.
Heru stressed that each stage of the response requires careful planning and close coordination with all relevant parties.
“We understand the importance of a measured response in this situation. ASDP is therefore continuing to coordinate with the relevant authorities and other parties to prepare for the operation and the vessel’s transfer to a shipyard. We are committed to ensuring that every stage is carried out responsibly, with safety and security as the primary considerations,” Heru added.
ASDP will continue to monitor developments in the response to the KMP Batumandi and strengthen coordination with all stakeholders. The company said this was part of its commitment to ensuring an effective post-incident response while supporting the safety and smooth operation of port ferry services.