Barge Leaks and Tilts in Java Sea, Hundreds of Logs Fall into the Sea
The Sustainable Forest Management Agency (BPHL) Region VIII Surabaya, alongside the Jabalnusra Forestry Law Enforcement Agency (Gakkumhut), is currently tracing the origin of 697 logs transported by the barge Lintas Samudera XXIII. The investigation includes verifying forest product transport documents and managing the recovery of the logs that drifted ashore.
Hundreds of logs reportedly fell into the sea and drifted towards the coastal areas of Sumenep Regency, East Java. The incident occurred after the barge, towed by Tugboat (TB.) Yamdena 03, suffered leaks and tilting caused by severe weather conditions.
According to an official statement from the Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut), the Lintas Samudera XXIII barge was carrying 697 logs with a total volume of 4,547.66 cubic metres (m³). The cargo originated from two locations in East Kalimantan province and was destined for the log pond of the timber processing company PT Kutai Timber Indonesia (KTI) in Probolinggo, East Java.
“The cargo departed from the log ponds between Merandai, Mahakam River waters, Merandai Village, Loa Janan District, Kutai Kartanegara Regency, and TPK Antara 3 Sungai Berau, Samburakat Village, Berau Regency,” the Ministry of Forestry stated on Tuesday (22/09/2026).
Based on the forest product transport documents accompanying the cargo, the Meranti-type logs came from two sources. First, the Forest Area Utilisation Permit (PBPH) Karya Lestari provided 400 logs with a volume of 2,922.11 m³ under SKSHHKB Number KB.C.7547894. Second, PBPH PT Utama Damai Indah Timber provided 297 logs with a volume of 1,625.55 m³ under SKSHHKB Number KB.C.7610904.
“These documents are among the materials being traced during the inspection and coordination process conducted by the Ministry of Forestry with relevant parties,” explained the Ministry.
Chronology of the Barge Incident
The Ministry of Forestry revealed that the official investigation report (BAP) contains the chronology of the barge’s leak. According to the report by the Captain of TB. Yamdena 03-Lintas Samudera XXIII, Rizal Daeng Tupu, the barge was deemed seaworthy and began its journey on Saturday (05/09/2026).
“While navigating the southeastern Java Sea, the barge encountered bad weather and experienced a leak. This condition caused the barge to begin tilting on its port side,” the Ministry noted.
By Tuesday, 15 September 2026, the tilt became more significant, causing part of the log cargo to fall into the sea. On Friday, 18 September 2026, due to continued unfavourable weather, the barge anchored west of Giliyang Island.
On Saturday, 19 September 2026, the captain attempted to pump out water entering the port side of the barge. During this process, more logs from the top of the cargo fell into the sea. The logs that fell into the sea subsequently drifted towards the coastal areas of Romben/Dungkek and Andulang near Madura Island.
The Ministry of Forestry, through BPHL Region VIII Surabaya and the Jabalnusra Forestry Law Enforcement Agency, has conducted field inspections and coordinated with relevant parties to obtain detailed facts regarding the origin of the wood, transport documents, and the recovery plan.
“This step is part of the Ministry of Forestry’s efforts to ensure that the implementation of forest product management regulations adheres to applicable provisions,” the Ministry emphasised.
The handling of this incident is being managed through inter-agency coordination, including with the Sumenep Regency government. PT Kutai Timber Indonesia (KTI), along with the ship owner, plans to undertake efforts to re-collect the logs drifting in the open sea.
“The logs that are successfully collected will be transferred to a replacement barge to be transported to PT Kutai Timber Indonesia (KTI) in Probolinggo, East Java,” the Ministry explained.
“The Ministry of Forestry and relevant stakeholders will continue to monitor the progress of the field handling, including the tracing of the wood’s origin and transport documents, as well as the efforts to re-collect the drifting logs. This is to ensure that the handling of the incident proceeds in an orderly, safe, and compliant manner with forest product management regulations.”