Indonesia manages maritime crisis and naval carrier handover

Search and rescue operations for the KM Virgo Transport 8, which sank in the Java Sea, have entered their 11th day. A joint team from Basarnas and the Indonesian Navy recovered nine bodies from the ship's stern. As of the latest reports, 136 people have been accounted for, including 108 survivors and 28 fatalities, while 107 people remain missing. Officials noted that 22 passengers were reportedly not included in the original manifest, raising concerns about the total number of victims.

In response to the tragedy, members of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) have called for a thorough evaluation of maritime safety systems. Some legislators have proposed the formation of a special committee (Pansus) to investigate recurring maritime accidents and ensure strict legal sanctions for those responsible.

Separately, preparations are underway for the transfer of the aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi from Italy to Indonesia. The vessel is being repainted to meet Indonesian Navy standards and is expected to be officially renamed KRI Sriwijaya during the handover ceremony at Tanjung Priok Port. PT PAL Indonesia, in collaboration with Fincantieri, will manage the ship's modernization and maintenance.