Gurita tragedy and responsibility

Gurita tragedy and responsibility

In his official report to the House, transportation minister
Haryanto Dhanutirto said the Gurita ferry, which went down
between Sabang and Banda Aceh, was not overloaded. The manifest
listed 210 passengers, well within the limit of 220 passengers.

However, further checking indicates that the Gurita was
sailing with between 300 and 400 passengers, most of whom were
not on the manifest.

This is common practice among port authorities and ferryboat
captains in Indonesia. They lie about ship cargoes because they
have to pay fees to their superiors.

I suggest that the transportation minister correct his report
and apologize to the Indonesian people for his earlier report,
which covered up the real cause and reflected his subordinates'
inaccurate input written to please him.

It is necessary to establish an independent team to
investigate the sinking of the Gurita. The team should begin with
the mistakes committed by members of the ministry staff.

The parties responsible for the disaster must be punished and
brought to court. This is important to show all government
officials to be responsible, especially in cases involving
hundreds of lives.

SUHARSONO H.

West Jakarta