KNKT Investigation Team Probes KM Mutiara Sentosa II Fire

The Head of Public Relations for the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT), Anggo Anurogo, has confirmed that the KNKT team has arrived at the accident site of the KM Mutiara Sentosa II fire. The team will commence its investigation today, Monday (3/8).

“The investigation team has arrived at the location and will begin the investigation today,” Anggo said when contacted.

Nevertheless, Anggo stated that the KNKT is not yet able to provide further details on the primary cause of the KM Mutiara Sentosa II fire, which occurred on Sunday (2/8).

“Regarding speculation, we cannot provide any information yet, as the investigation is still in its early stages. The investigation team is currently carrying out the process of collecting data and facts in the field,” Anggo explained.

Previously, the government confirmed it would investigate the cause of the fire on the passenger motor vessel (KMP) Mutiara Sentosa 2 in the waters off Sumenep Regency, East Java. To date, the vessel was declared seaworthy.

“We will launch an investigation into the cause of the incident. Based on the reports we have received, the vessel was seaworthy and in accordance with the manifest. We will also verify the weather conditions,” said Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) in Bangkalan, East Java, yesterday.

As reported, KM Mutiara Sentosa II caught fire in Sumenep, Madura, East Java on Sunday (2/8). Data shows that 231 people were successfully evacuated, while five people were reported dead.

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi will evaluate the operator of KMP Mutiara Sentosa II following the repeated fire incident in Sumenep waters. The Indonesian Transportation Society (MTI) and the House of Representatives (DPR) have sharply criticised the systemic failure of Indonesia’s transport safety, which they deem negligent and only reactive after a major tragedy occurs.