KMP Batumandi Catches Fire While Preparing to Dock at Merak Port

The KMP Batumandi caught fire near Merak Besar Island, Cilegon, while manoeuvring to berth at Dock VI of Merak Port this afternoon.

According to Antara, the vessel had departed Bakauheni Port at 2.52 pm on Tuesday (20 October 2026). At 4.15 pm, shore-based staff saw sparks at the rear stern of the ship, on the upper deck used to carry smaller vehicles.

“Joint response efforts are still under way, involving port personnel, Basarnas and the police. ASDP confirms that all passengers and crew have been evacuated,” ASDP Corporate Secretary Windy Andale told Antara.

“The cause of the fire has not yet been established,” she added.

Windy said ASDP was coordinating closely with the port authorities, Basarnas and other relevant agencies to ensure the response and evacuation proceeded effectively.

She added that ASDP would support the authorities’ investigation and provide regular updates based on verified information from the scene. The safety of passengers and crew was the company’s top priority.

Videos circulating online showed thick black smoke billowing from the roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) vessel. The ship was still in waters near Merak Port when the fire broke out.

Another video showed responders evacuating passengers by small boat and taking them to a safer location.

Banten Police public relations chief Maruli Hutapea had earlier said the fire broke out at around 4 pm on Tuesday (20 October), in the waters of the Sunda Strait behind Merak Kecil Island, in Mekarsari, Pulomerak district, Cilegon.