Death Toll from KMP Aceh Hebat 2 Engine Explosion Rises to Two Cadets

A second cadet from the Malahayati Merchant Marine Polytechnic has died following the engine explosion on the KMP Aceh Hebat 2 ferry. Muhammad Bilal Ramzi passed away on Thursday, 25 June, at approximately 8.30 p.m. local time after receiving intensive medical treatment at the Zainoel Abidin Regional General Hospital in Banda Aceh. His remains have been returned to his family home in Sabang City. He is the second fatality from the incident, after Fahri Herdi Eko died on Saturday, 20 June, at the same hospital. The explosion occurred in the engine room of the KMP Aceh Hebat 2, which serves the Banda Aceh–Sabang route, while the vessel was docked at Ulee Lheue Port in Banda Aceh on Friday, 12 June. The incident resulted in 15 people suffering burns, including 14 cadets from the Malahayati Merchant Marine Polytechnic and one crew member of the KMP Aceh Hebat 2. All received medical treatment at the Zainoel Abidin Regional General Hospital. General Manager of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) Banda Aceh Branch, Andri Setiawan, expressed the company’s deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. He stated that since the incident occurred, support for the victims and their families has been the company’s primary concern, with intensive coordination ongoing with families, the hospital, and all stakeholders to ensure maximum care and assistance. Andri emphasised that passenger safety and the safety of all personnel within ASDP’s operational environment remain the company’s top priority, and that every development in this matter is receiving full management attention as part of efforts to ensure optimal handling and to strengthen future operational safety.