Minister of Transport Monitors KM Mutiara Sentosa II Passenger Evacuation, Ensures Operations Continue
Jakarta, VIVA – The Minister of Transport, Dudy Purwagandhi, directly inspected the passenger evacuation process for the KM Mutiara Sentosa II, which caught fire in the northern waters of Sumenep Regency, East Java, on Sunday night, 2 August 2026. Speaking from Kalianget Port, Sumenep, Dudy confirmed that the evacuation process is proceeding smoothly.
“We express our deepest condolences for this tragedy. We are ensuring that the evacuation process is carried out optimally and runs smoothly so that all passengers and crew can be located and receive further medical attention from officials,” Dudy stated in his briefing on Sunday, 2 August 2026.
The evacuation of passengers and crew, led by the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), is currently ongoing. All victims who have been successfully located are scheduled to be evacuated to Surabaya for further medical treatment.
Dudy ensured that his department continues to closely monitor the progress of the KM Mutiara Sentosa II fire response, maintaining intensive coordination with local government heads in Madura, SAR teams, the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces), Polri (National Police), KSOP (Harbour Master), ship operators, and all elements involved in the rescue operation.
The Minister of Transport also confirmed that all necessary resources have been deployed to support the evacuation, search, rescue, and victim management processes.
During the visit, Dudy also met with the Regent of Sumenep, Achmad Fauressi Wongsojudo, to strengthen coordination regarding victim handling. The Minister expressed his gratitude to the Regent of Sumenep and the local Forkopimda (Regional Leadership Coordination Forum) for their rapid response and for deploying all available resources to support the rescue operations.
Dudy also expressed high appreciation to all regional heads in the Madura area for their swift and solid response to the emergency. Appreciation was also extended to the owners and operators of rescue vessels that assisted in the rapid rescue process.
“I appreciate the proactive steps taken by the Regents of Sumenep, Bangkalan, Sampang, and Pamekasan, who have mobilised personnel, health facilities, and teams within their respective waters to assist passengers who may have been carried by the currents. Such inter-regional synergy is vital in accelerating rescue efforts and providing a sense of security to the public,” said the Minister.