Capsized KMP Batumandi to Be Raised After Fire off Merak

Banten Police said KMP Batumandi is now capsized after catching fire near Merak Port in Cilegon, Banten. Officers will try to right the vessel to support the investigation.

“Banten Police will also coordinate with ASDP and the Harbourmaster and Port Authority (KSOP) to assist with refloating the vessel in support of the investigation,” Banten Police public relations chief Commissioner Maruli Hutapea said on Thursday (22 October 2026).

Banten Police will also coordinate with Merak Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) to mitigate potential disruption to shipping routes around Merak Port following the ferry’s capsizing.

Maruli said officers from Banten Police and the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) had not yet conducted an on-site investigation. The vessel’s condition the previous day had made it impossible to inspect the scene, he said.

“KMP Batumandi does not yet meet the requirements for investigators to conduct an on-site inspection. The vessel’s hull and particles inside it remain very hot after the fire. Forcing an inspection in these conditions could endanger officers’ safety,” he said.

Maruli said he had received reports that KMP Batumandi began listing before its upper section sank on Wednesday (21 October) evening. The incident was believed to have resulted from the vessel becoming unstable after the fire.

“At around 9pm, the stern appeared to sink further, the vessel listed to port and eventually capsized. The incident occurred at coordinates 5° 56′ 620″ S, 105° 59′ 548″ E,” he said.

ASDP had earlier confirmed that KMP Batumandi sank at around 8.45pm. The company is coordinating with relevant parties to ensure the sunken vessel does not obstruct shipping traffic.

“PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) is providing 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 the location of the sunken vessel does not compromise the safety and smooth flow of shipping traffic,” it said.