ASDP President Director Ensures Support for KMP Aceh Hebat Fire Victims

Jakarta (ANTARA) - PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) President Director Heru Widodo has confirmed that all victims of the fire incident on the ferry KMP Aceh Hebat 2 are receiving assistance and care, whilst expressing deep sorrow over the event. “On behalf of ASDP management, I express our deepest concern over this tragedy,” Heru said in a statement in Jakarta on Friday. KMP Aceh Hebat 2 experienced a fire incident on Friday while the vessel was docked at Ulee Lheue Port, Banda Aceh. Heru stated that the company’s primary attention and focus is currently on handling the victims affected by the incident. “Our thoughts and attention are fully with the victims who are undergoing treatment and the families accompanying them. We pray that all victims are given strength and can recover quickly,” Heru said. He stressed that ASDP will continue to be present to assist the victims throughout the handling and recovery process. The company is ensuring that the victims and their families do not face this situation alone. “Our main focus at this time is to ensure all victims receive the best medical treatment and necessary support,” he continued. During the handling process, 15 people who suffered burns have been evacuated to hospital for further treatment. ASDP is continuing to provide assistance and coordinate with relevant parties to monitor the progress of the victims’ conditions and ensure all needs are properly met. Based on initial reports received, Heru said the incident is suspected to have originated from an explosion in the hydraulic system of the automatic watertight door in the engine room. The ship’s crew immediately carried out emergency procedures, attempted to extinguish the fire, and evacuated the victims. Thanks to the crew’s swift response, the fire was brought under control within approximately three to four minutes, preventing it from spreading to other areas. ASDP also expressed appreciation to the ship’s crew, port officers, medical personnel, and all related elements who responded quickly to assist in the emergency handling on the ground, allowing the situation to be rapidly brought under control. “Currently, the company is continuing to coordinate with the authorities in the investigation process to determine the exact cause of the incident,” he said. ASDP is committed to fully supporting the ongoing investigation and conducting a comprehensive evaluation as part of efforts to strengthen operational safety standards. He added that the safety and security of service users and all personnel working within ASDP’s operational environment will always be the company’s top priority. “We are committed to continuously improving safety aspects as part of our responsibility to provide reliable and safe ferry services,” Heru added. ASDP Banda Aceh Branch General Manager Andri Setiawan stated that all ASDP personnel in Banda Aceh are currently focused on supporting the victim handling process and ensuring optimal coordination with various related parties. He stressed that his team will consistently continue to coordinate with the authorities in the investigation process to determine the exact cause of the incident. “We are committed to fully supporting the ongoing investigation and conducting a thorough evaluation as part of efforts to strengthen operational safety standards,” Andri explained. Since the incident occurred, ASDP Banda Aceh Branch personnel have moved quickly to coordinate with hospitals, the Harbourmaster’s Office (KSOP), the police, the port health office, the fire department, and other relevant agencies to ensure the evacuation, medical treatment, and follow-up actions proceed smoothly.