Response to KMP Batumandi Fire Reported Complete, SAR Team Remains on Standby

A fire broke out aboard the passenger motor vessel KMP Batumandi in the Sunda Strait, near Merak Port in Cilegon, Banten, on Tuesday afternoon, 20 October 2026. All 460 people on board—420 passengers and 40 crew members—were evacuated safely.

Although everyone on board was rescued, 11 people required further medical treatment at Krakatau Medika Hospital in Cilegon. A joint SAR team, together with port personnel and assisting vessels, was deployed to support the evacuation and extinguish the fire.

The incident was reported while KMP Batumandi was sailing from Bakauheni Port to Merak Port. According to the latest report, the fire response had been completed, while the SAR team remained on standby to monitor developments.

Here are some of the facts known so far about the fire aboard KMP Batumandi in the waters off Merak.

1. The fire broke out as the vessel approached Merak

Yogie Nugraha, head of the Banten Class I Port Authority and Harbourmaster Office (KSOP), said the initial information from Merak Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) indicated that the fire was reported at around 4.15pm local time.

At the time, KMP Batumandi was in the entrance channel to the Merak crossing. The vessel had departed Bakauheni Port at around 2.52pm, bound for Merak Port.

After receiving the emergency report, Merak VTS staff promptly notified the relevant parties. They coordinated the deployment of assistance from the port, tugboats, ferries and other agencies to support firefighting and evacuation operations.

The initial report received by the KSOP said the fire had originated in the ship’s engine room. However, the reported source of the fire still needs to be investigated further by the relevant authorities.

2. The fire is suspected to have started at the stern

Windy Andale, corporate secretary of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry, said the initial suspicion was that the fire began in the vessel’s stern area at around 4.15pm.

According to Windy, the suspected point of origin was on the upper deck used to carry small vehicles.

“Our initial suspicion is that there was a spark in the stern area. But we are still investigating this, and we are also coordinating with Basarnas and the police while monitoring the cause of the fire,” Windy said.