Minister Commits to Thorough Review of KM Virgo Transport 8 Incident

RRI.CO.ID, Banjarmasin - Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi emphasized that the government will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident involving KM Virgo Transport 8, which was carrying 243 people--consisting of 213 passengers and 30 crew members--when it encountered trouble in the Masalembo waters of the Java Sea on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

“The process will be carried out by the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) in accordance with its mandate,” Minister Dudy said during a press conference at Trisakti Port, Banjarmasin, on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

He called on all parties to allow KNKT to conduct the investigation professionally and independently. The investigation, he stressed, will rely on data and facts to determine the cause of the accident objectively.

According to him, KNKT’s findings will form the basis for evaluating and improving transportation safety operations. The results and contributing factors are expected to strengthen safety standards and prevent similar incidents in the future.

“The Ministry of Transportation, together with all stakeholders, continues to oversee the handling of this incident until all stages are completed,” he said.

Minister Dudy also expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and assured that the government and related agencies will continue overseeing the response, including search and rescue operations and the handling of all victims.

KM Virgo Transport 8 reportedly lost contact in the Java Sea on Sunday at around 2 p.m. local time. The vessel had departed Surabaya for Banjarmasin on Saturday, September 12.

Waves striking the vessel’s starboard side were cited as one of the causes of the ship’s listing before the accident occurred.

The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) Deputy for Operations and Preparedness Edy Prakoso conveyed this information in Jakarta on Sunday. “According to the Virgo’s captain, the listing was caused by waves hitting the starboard side,” Edy said.

Basarnas intensified search-and-rescue operations by deploying air assets and joint SAR vessels. By Sunday, the joint SAR team had evacuated 113 passengers--107 survivors and six fatalities. Meanwhile, 130 passengers remained unaccounted for at the scene.

Basarnas stated it would maximize search and rescue efforts for the missing victims. A total of 15 sea and air assets have been deployed, consisting of 11 vessels, one helicopter, and three aircraft, to search for victims in the Masalembo waters of the Java Sea. (Misni Parjiati)