Sumenep, E Java (ANTARA) – Indonesian Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has assured that the evacuation and medical assistance for victims of the KMP Mutiara Sentosa II ferry, which caught fire off the coast of Sumenep, East Java, are proceeding smoothly.
Arriving at Kalianget Port in Sumenep early Monday morning, the minister met with Sumenep Regent Achmad Fauzi Wongsojudo, Chief of Sumenep City Police Senior Commissioner Ariek Indra Sentanu, and members of the regional leadership coordination forum.
“We express our deepest condolences over this tragedy,” Purwagandhi said in an official statement released here on Monday.
“We are making sure the evacuation process is carried out optimally and smoothly, ensuring all passengers and crew members are accounted for and receive further care from the authorities,” he continued.
The minister commended the local authorities in Sumenep for their swift response to the incident, noting that they successfully mobilized all available resources to support the rescue operations.
“We extend our gratitude to the Sumenep regional leadership for taking immediate action following the incident. Synergy among all stakeholders is crucial to ensure that rescue efforts and victim assistance are effective,” he added.
Following his visit to Sumenep, Purwagandhi immediately departed for the East Java provincial capital of Surabaya to conduct further monitoring from the integrated command post at Tanjung Perak Port.
Nine victims of the ferry fire arrived at Pelindo III Kalianget Port in Sumenep on Monday at approximately 12:20 a.m. local time (GMT+7) aboard the search-and-rescue vessel KN SAR Permadi.
“Out of the nine victims who arrived, four were immediately referred to the Kalianget Islamic Hospital (RSI) for further medical treatment, while the other five were transported to the central command post in Surabaya in accordance with established handling protocols,” Regent Wongsojudo said.
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Translator: Abd Aziz, Uyu Liman
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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