Minister Dudy says KMP Putri Yasmin was seaworthy before fire

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has stated that KMP Putri Yasmin was classified as seaworthy based on its most recent inspection in June 2026, before the vessel caught fire in the waters of the Lombok Strait.

“One thing that should be noted is that KMP Putri Yasmin was in a seaworthy condition based on the results of the last inspection carried out in June 2026,” the Minister said in a statement in Jakarta on Monday.

Regarding the cause of the fire, the Minister has deferred the investigation process to the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT).

“We do not wish to pre-empt the results of the investigation. The most important thing is that the cause of this incident can be clearly identified and serve as material for evaluation to improve shipping safety,” he said.

The Minister also expressed his deep condolences over the KMP Putri Yasmin fire disaster. He had previously instructed that the focus be placed on the search, evacuation and registration of passengers.

Dudy stated that since receiving information about the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday (12/8), all relevant parties immediately moved to carry out search, rescue and evacuation operations.

“For the victims who have passed away, may they be granted the best place in the sight of Allah SWT, and to the bereaved families, we extend our condolences and prayers that they may be given strength and fortitude,” the Minister continued.

The Minister has instructed a thorough verification to ensure the accuracy of the manifest data and the number of people found. 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.

“It should be noted that when a ship applies for a sailing permit, the number of passengers is generally already registered. However, before the ship actually departs, there are usually additional passengers who are not reported,” he said.

“This is what will be evaluated. Even though a sailing permit has been issued, any increase in the number of passengers must still be reported,” the Minister added.

Dudy added that the government, through PT Jasa Raharja, has ensured that all victims receive their full entitlements, ranging from medical treatment and care costs to compensation. Passenger vehicles will also receive reimbursement from PT Asuransi Jasaraharja Putera.

He also 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 officials, health workers, and all parties involved in the search and evacuation operation for KMP Putri Yasmin passengers.

The Minister also conveyed his thanks to the vessels in the vicinity that immediately provided assistance upon receiving the distress call.

“As we know, the waters of Lombok have a characteristically strong current, 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,” the Minister said.

Previously, the Mataram SAR Office stated that the number of people successfully evacuated from the KMP Putri Yasmin fire in the Lombok Strait had increased to 212 as of Wednesday (12/8) evening.

“The total is 212,” said Head of the Mataram SAR Office Muhamad Hariyadi at Lembar Port, West Lombok, on Wednesday evening.