Maritime safety in Indonesia faces scrutiny amid inadequate emergency response

The National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) has reported that emergency response procedures on Indonesian ferry ships are currently inadequate, often serving as mere formalities rather than essential safety requirements. KNKT Chairman Soerjanto Tjahjono noted that during simulations, crews faced significant difficulties, including malfunctioning fire hydrants and delays in donning protective gear and life jackets.

Data from the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) highlights a high frequency of maritime incidents, recording 601 search and rescue operations between January 1 and August 15, 2026. This period resulted in 239 deaths and 203 missing persons. A recent major incident involving the KM Virgo Transport 8, traveling the Surabaya–Banjarmasin route, has further underscored these risks; as of mid-September 2026, six people were confirmed dead and 129 remain missing.

Experts suggest that the primary issue is not a lack of regulation, but a gap between administrative compliance and actual operational safety. There is a pressing need for more rigorous oversight and practical emergency training to identify risks before accidents occur.