Passenger Ferry Catches Fire in Merak Waters

The passenger ferry KMP Batu Mandi caught fire at Merak Port, Tamansari, Pulomerak district, Cilegon, Banten, on Tuesday (20 October 2026). The vessel caught fire as it was preparing to berth at Dock 6 of Merak Ferry Port.

According to information shared on the Instagram account @infotangerang.id, the fire broke out at around 4pm Western Indonesian Time (WIB). Video shared online showed thick black smoke billowing from the vessel.

KMP Batu Mandi was carrying passengers from Bakauheni and was about to enter the waters of Merak Port. Evacuation efforts were under way.

Merak Port Security Implementation Unit (KSKP) Police Chief Iptu Agie Dwisetio Putra confirmed the incident and said evacuation was continuing.

“I’m evacuating the victims. The Batu Mandi ship. Please give me some time,” he said when contacted.