RRI.CO.ID, Surabaya - The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation has pledged a comprehensive safety review of the operator of KMP Mutiara Sentosa II once the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) completes its investigation into the deadly ferry fire.

Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said the government will wait for official findings before imposing sanctions or corrective measures. “We will conduct an evaluation, but first we must wait for KNKT’s investigation to determine the exact cause,” Dudy stated on Monday, August 3, 2026.

He emphasized that the results will guide improvements in maritime safety standards nationwide, ensuring similar incidents do not recur. The evaluation will include the operator’s safety record and compliance history.

Meanwhile, joint SAR teams confirmed that 234 passengers and crew were evacuated to shore by early Monday. Of that number, 229 survived while five lost their lives.

Evacuations were carried out through Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya and Kalianget Port in Sumenep, East Java, with vessels including Meratus Pematang Siantar and KN SAR 249 Permadi assisting in the operation.

“Priority was given to survivors so they could receive immediate medical care and identity checks,” mission coordinator Nanang Sigit said. Survivors were processed at Gapura Surya Nusantara Terminal, while victims were taken to hospitals in Surabaya and Sumenep for further treatment.

The final evacuation stages saw 113 people brought safely to Tanjung Perak, though two were found dead. Another nine were transported to Kalianget, with four requiring hospital care.

Authorities hope KNKT’s investigation will not only clarify the cause of the fire but also strengthen oversight of ferry operators, laying the foundation for safer sea transport across Indonesia.

The KMP Mutiara Sentosa II ferry fire occurred on Sunday, August 2, 2026, in the waters north of Sumenep, Madura, East Java, while en route from Surabaya to Makassar. The blaze forced a massive evacuation involving hundreds of passengers and crew, leaving five dead and 229 survivors. (Misni Parjiati)