Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said the government would conduct a comprehensive review of ferry safety standards, emergency procedures and passenger protection after the deadly fire aboard KMP Mutiara Sentosa II off East Java.
Dudy said the government would investigate the cause of the fire, operating procedures and maritime safety systems to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
“To prevent similar incidents, the Transportation Ministry will carry out a comprehensive evaluation. This case will serve as a lesson to ensure it does not happen again,” Dudy said in a statement on Tuesday.
The review will also cover improvements to emergency response procedures aimed at strengthening passenger protection during maritime accidents.
Dudy said any criminal violations uncovered during the investigation would be prosecuted in accordance with Indonesian law.
“If evidence of criminal conduct is found, the case will be processed under applicable regulations,” he said.
The Transportation Ministry said victim assistance and the investigation remain underway, while the emergency response has formally shifted to a routine search-and-rescue preparedness operation.
By the third day after the fire, authorities had evacuated 62 survivors from Masalembu Island to Surabaya, bringing the total number of rescued passengers and crew to 238.
“On behalf of the government, we extend our deepest condolences. Five victims were recovered dead,” Dudy said.
The ministry said it fully supports the investigation by the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT), whose investigators have been deployed to collect evidence and coordinate with relevant agencies.
The ministry’s Directorate General of Sea Transportation has also summoned the ferry operator to undergo an audit of its safety management system.
“The audit is part of broader mitigation efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future,” Director General of Sea Transportation Muhammad Masyhud said.
State-owned insurer Jasa Raharja said all victims would receive benefits, including medical expenses and compensation for eligible families.
The Transportation Ministry is also coordinating with airlines and related agencies to facilitate the return of victims’ remains to their hometowns at no cost to relatives.
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Translator: M.Harianto, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
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