DPR: Shipping Sector Overhaul Can No Longer Be Done Partially
A succession of ship accidents within a short period has been viewed as a strong signal that reform of the national shipping sector can no longer be carried out in a piecemeal fashion. Abdul Hadi, a member of Commission V of the House of Representatives (DPR), stressed the need for a thorough evaluation of the maritime transport safety system following the fire aboard KM Mutiara Sentosa II in the Java Sea on Sunday (2/8).
He highlighted that the incident occurred not long after the sinking of KM Nurul Salsa in mid-July. According to him, the recurrence of ship accidents within such a short period proves that improvements in the shipping sector must no longer be done separately or merely target specific issues.
“When ship accidents keep recurring in close succession, this is no longer just a disaster. It is an alarm that the national shipping safety system requires thorough and more serious reform,” said Abdul Hadi, as quoted on Monday (3/8).
He emphasised that passenger safety must be the top priority in every aspect of maritime transport provision. Therefore, all ship operators are asked not only to meet administrative requirements but also to ensure that all safety aspects are genuinely ready before a vessel is put into operation.
He cautioned that safety inspection processes must not stop at being a formality. According to him, seaworthiness certificates, inspection results, and the implementation of safety procedures must genuinely reflect that a vessel is fit and safe to carry passengers.
“Safety inspections must not become mere administrative routine. People’s lives must not be put at risk due to negligence or weak oversight,” he said.
Abdul Hadi also asked the Ministry of Transportation to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the shipping oversight system, particularly for passenger vessels on routes with high levels of mobility.
According to him, the evaluation must cover operators’ compliance with safety standards, the effectiveness of periodic inspections, the readiness of fire-fighting equipment, the completeness of safety equipment, and risk mitigation systems during voyages.
He stated that regulators and ship operators alike must make safety a working culture, not merely an administrative obligation. The public, he said, has the right to be assured that every vessel in operation meets the highest safety standards. “Do not wait for the next victims before reforms are carried out,” he said.
Furthermore, Abdul Hadi assured that Commission V of the DPR will continue to push for stronger oversight and improved safety standards for maritime transport so that public trust in this mode of transport is maintained.
He also expressed his concern over the incident and hoped that all passengers and crew members still at the scene could be evacuated safely as soon as possible and receive maximum care.
He also expressed appreciation to the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Ministry of Transportation, the Indonesian Navy, and all parties who moved swiftly in the rescue operation. Nevertheless, according to him, the fire aboard KM Mutiara Sentosa II once again shows that fundamental problems remain in the shipping safety system that must be addressed immediately.
“The main focus at present is to ensure that all passengers and crew can be rescued. On the other hand, the cause of the fire must be investigated thoroughly so that similar incidents do not happen again,” Abdul Hadi concluded.
A total of 24 victims from KMP Mutiara Sentosa II were evacuated to Surabaya and Sumenep for medical treatment for injuries sustained during the incident.
Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi confirmed that the evacuation of KM Mutiara Sentosa II in the waters off Sumenep is proceeding optimally. An integrated post has been prepared at Tanjung Perak Port.
The security of Indonesia’s maritime transport has once again come under sharp scrutiny throughout 2026.
Basarnas Palu deployed the KN SAR Bhisma to search for 13 passengers of a motorised boat, including 11 foreign tourists, who lost contact in the waters of Tomini Bay.
A fisherman named Nyoman Darin (51) was reported missing after his jukung was found washed up without its crew on Saba Beach, Gianyar. The search is ongoing.