KMP Putri Yasmin Fire: Transport Minister Orders Focus on Passenger Search
Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has expressed deep condolences over the KMP Putri Yasmin ferry fire in Balinese waters on Wednesday morning (12/8/2026). Dudy instructed that the focus be on the search, evacuation, and data collection of passengers.
“Our priority at this time is the safety of all passengers and crew members and ensuring that those who have been found immediately receive the necessary assistance,” said Dudy while inspecting the SAR Command Post at Lembar Port, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), on Wednesday (12/8/2026).
Dudy stated that since receiving information about the incident at around 04.20 WITA, all relevant elements immediately moved to conduct search, rescue, and evacuation operations.
Based on preliminary reports, the manifest of KMP Putri Yasmin recorded 114 passengers, not including crew members. Meanwhile, as of this afternoon, the number of passengers found totalled 173 people, of whom 172 survived and one person died. This evening, one vessel is heading to Lembar Port and is reported to be carrying 39 people.
“For the deceased victim, may they be granted the best place in the sight of Allah SWT, and to the bereaved family, we extend our condolences and prayers for strength and fortitude,” Dudy continued.
Dudy instructed a thorough verification to ensure the manifest data and the number of people found are accurate. The possibility of a discrepancy between the number of passengers and the manifest data is a serious finding that will be followed up through a comprehensive investigation process.
“For your information, when a vessel applies for a sailing permit, the number of passengers is generally already registered. However, before the vessel actually departs, there are usually additional passengers who are not reported. This is what will be evaluated — even though the sailing permit has been issued, any additional passengers must still be reported,” Dudy explained.
Regarding the cause of the fire, Dudy has handed the investigation process over to the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT). “We do not wish to pre-empt the investigation results. The most important thing is that the cause of this incident can be clearly identified and serve as evaluation material to improve shipping safety. One thing to note is that KMP Putri Yasmin was in a seaworthy condition based on the latest inspection conducted in June 2026,” he added.
Dudy also announced that the rescue operation will continue for up to seven days. A public complaint post has also been opened. Therefore, if any members of the public believe they have lost family members, they are urged to report this information to the post officers immediately.
Dudy added that the government, through PT Jasa Raharja, will ensure all victims receive their full entitlements, from medical and treatment costs to compensation. Passenger vehicles will also receive replacement from PT Asuransi Jasaraharja Putera.
Dudy then expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police, the Lembar Harbourmaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP), the Benoa Navigation District, local governments, port officers, health workers, and all elements involved in the search and evacuation operation for KMP Putri Yasmin passengers. The Transport Minister also thanked nearby vessels that immediately provided assistance upon receiving the distress signal.
“As we know, the waters around Lombok have quite strong currents, so when an accident occurs, a very rapid response is required for rescue. I would like to thank all parties who have assisted in this evacuation process,” said the Transport Minister.
For information, after inspecting the command post at Lembar Port, Dudy visited several victims receiving treatment at Patut Patuh Patju Regional General Hospital. The Transport Minister hopes all victims can recover quickly and resume their activities.