Prabowo Expresses Condolences Over Virgo Ship Incident, Ensures Investigation

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, has expressed his deep condolences and offered prayers for the victims and families affected by the Motor Vessel (MV) Virgo Transport 8 accident in the Java Sea. The President conveyed his condolences during his remarks at the inauguration of the Kelapa Gading–Manggarai line of the Jakarta Light Rail Transit (LRT) in Jakarta on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

"On this occasion, we of course remember our fellow citizens who have suffered disasters. Most recently, the Virgo ship incident in Banjarmasin (in South Kalimantan). We always pray that the families left behind will be given strength and resilience," he said, as quoted by the Indonesian Presidential Secretariat.

Prabowo assured the public that the government is continuing its investigation to determine the cause of the incident. The findings are expected to serve as a basis for evaluation and strengthen efforts to prevent and prepare for similar incidents in the future.

"We will continue to investigate and look into the causes of the incident so that in the future, we can improve our mitigation efforts and take the best possible measures," the President said.

In addition to the ship accident, he also highlighted that people in several areas are still facing difficulties due to various natural disasters. He added that the government continues to work together to address these situations.

"There are also many of our fellow citizens in various places who are facing difficulties as a result of natural disasters. However, the entire government, including the central government, regional and provincial governments, district administrations, and all relevant agencies, has demonstrated good cooperation in addressing all these challenges and difficulties," Prabowo said.

"I believe this is an example of how Indonesia conducts state affairs in its own way. Today, I also see this as an example of how Indonesia governs itself," he said.

MV Virgo Transport 8 was involved in an accident in the Masalembo waters of the Java Sea on Sunday, September 13, 2026, while en route to Banjarmasin. Search, rescue, and investigation efforts are ongoing, and relevant authorities are continuing to handle the incident.