Batumandi Ferry Sinks After Fire Is Extinguished at Merak

The passenger ferry KMP Batumandi, which caught fire in the entrance channel to Merak Port, has sunk. The vessel went down after officials extinguished the fire.

The sinking was confirmed in a security warning broadcast by officers at Merak Vessel Traffic Service (VTS). The warning was transmitted to all passenger vessels in the Sunda Strait.

In a video recording received, a Merak VTS officer announced that KMP Batumandi had sunk in the Merak ferry channel.

“Security, security, security, all vessels, all vessels, all vessels, this is Merak VTS, Merak VTS, Merak VTS. Navigational warning: information for all passenger vessels that KMP Batumandi has sunk at position 05°56.732’S 105°59.376’E in the entrance channel to the Merak ferry port,” the Merak VTS officer said on Wednesday (21 October 2026).

The radio broadcast warned passenger vessels to exercise caution when entering the area.

“Ferries entering the channel should proceed with greater care and vigilance. Thank you. Merak VTS out,” the officer said.

ASDP confirmed that KMP Batumandi sank at around 8.45pm Western Indonesia Time. The company is coordinating with relevant parties to ensure the sinking site does not disrupt shipping traffic.

“PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) would like to provide the latest update on the response to the KMP Batumandi incident, which was reported to have capsized and sunk in waters near Merak Port on Wednesday (21 October), at around 8.54pm. As a follow-up, ASDP is coordinating with relevant parties to ensure that the location of the sunken vessel does not compromise safety or the smooth flow of shipping traffic,” it said.