Two NTT Provincial Government Ships Run Aground After Being Struck by Waves at Alak Beach

Two government-owned ferries, KMP Pulau Sabu and KMP Sirung, ran aground after being struck by waves on Monday (2 March 2026) off Alak Beach, Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The vessels, which had been berthed at Hansisi Wharf, Semau, Kupang Regency, were dragged ashore by strong currents after their anchors reportedly broke during a spell of extreme weather. Deputy Governor Johni Asadoma said he had visited the stranded ships and described the situation: ‘We came here this afternoon to inspect the condition of the two NTT provincial government vessels that are stranded at Alak Beach.’

Johni explained that during the severe weather, the ships were carried by the current to Alak Beach; the anchors broke under strong winds, causing them to drift ashore rather than out to the Indian Ocean. ‘If they had been carried out to the Indian Ocean, we would have lost trace of them altogether,’ he added. Information indicated both vessels had sustained serious damage, with one hull section reported to have breached and pierced.

Once the sea calmed, authorities planned an assessment of the ships. The fate of the assets would be discussed with the governor, including possibilities of selling or leasing to a third party. ‘We will see whether we can rehabilitate them or not. If not, we will lease or sell,’ he said. The limited regional finances and the prioritisation of poverty alleviation and stunting reduction programmes informed the decision to potentially offer the assets to private operators. ‘There is a fiscal burden on the province. The poverty and stunting programmes take precedence, so we may offer them to others to manage,’ the Gerindra politician explained.

He suggested that if the asset could be managed by a private firm or via a bidding process, it might contribute to regional own-source revenue (PAD) rather than continuing to burden the budget. ‘That’s why we will offer it to others—someone who wants to buy or manage it. PT Flobamor used to manage it, but given the current condition, it would be very difficult,’ he stated.

Note: KMP Pulau Sabu and KMP Sirung had previously been berthed at Hansisi Port before being swept away by currents to Alak Beach, Kupang City.