MERAK BANTEN (ISL News) – The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) through the Directorate General of Sea Transportation (Dirjen HUbla), Class I Tanjung Priok Sea and Coast Guard Base (Pangkalan PLP Kelas 1 Tg. Priok), continues to carry out operations to handle the KMP Batumandi in the waters of Merak, Sunda Strait.
The KN Trisula P-111 and KN Jembio P-215 remain on site to secure and monitor the waters. Current operations are focused on site security, navigational safety, search and rescue (SAR) preparedness, and marine pollution prevention and response.
The operation is a continuation of the response since the KMP Batumandi caught fire on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, while en route from Bakauheni to Merak. The initial phase focused on safety, passenger and crew evacuation, emergency response, and water security.
As conditions developed until the KMP Batumandi sank, operations entered a further phase with a focus on securing the location where the ship sank, ensuring the safety of shipping traffic, and preventing and controlling marine pollution.
CURRENT OPERATIONAL STATUS
As of Thursday, October 22, 2026, the operation is still ongoing and has not been declared complete.
KN Trisula P-111 and KN Jembio P-215 continue to secure and monitor the waters and support navigation safety around the location.
The KPLP SAR Team remains on standby in the field, while the KPLP Pollution Management Team (MARPOL) carries out pollution assessments and handling.
As a precautionary measure, sorbent has been deployed in areas requiring treatment. Meanwhile, oil booms, pollution control equipment, firefighting equipment, and other supporting facilities have been placed on standby aboard the KN Trisula P-111, along with the personnel to operate it.
If further containment measures are required based on the assessment results, an oil boom is ready to be deployed to limit the spread of pollutants.
The Director of KPLP, Capt. Budi Mantoro, M.Si., M.Mar., was present in person at Merak Port to monitor the progress of the handling of the KMP Batumandi and provide direction on the implementation of operations, especially location security, navigation safety, SAR preparedness and prevention and control of marine pollution.
Following up on the direction of the Director of KPLP, the Head of the Class I Tanjung Priok PLP Base, Fourmansyah, SH, MM, MH, directly led the implementation of operations in the field from KN Trisula P-111 by deploying elements of patrol boats, the SAR Team and the KPLP Pollution Control Team (MARPOL).
The operation is carried out in an integrated manner with the Banten Class I KSOP, Merak VTS Station/Tanjung Priok Class I Navigation District, Banten Class II BPTD, PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) Merak Branch, and other related elements to maintain shipping safety, smooth navigation and protection of the marine environment.
"The rescue and evacuation phase has been completed. Operations are currently continuing, focusing on securing the site, ensuring navigational safety, and preventing and mitigating pollution. KN Trisula P-111 and KN Jembio P-215 remain at the location, the Search and Rescue (SAR) team remains on standby, and the Marine Police (Marpol) team from the Marine and Fisheries Agency (KPLP) continues to handle the situation," said Fourmansyah.
"We must ensure that pollution does not spread and that shipping routes in the Sunda Strait remain safe. All elements will remain on standby, and operations will continue based on assessment results and evolving conditions on the ground until it is declared safe," he stressed.
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The handling of the KMP Batumandi is part of the government's responsibility for shipping safety and maritime environmental protection, including the implementation of Indonesia's role as a Flag State, Port State, and Coastal State in accordance with its authority.
The implementation of operations refers to national provisions in the field of shipping and maritime environmental protection, and is in line with UNCLOS 1982, MARPOL 73/78, SOLAS 1974, and navigation safety provisions in the Sunda Strait Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS).
PUBLIC INFORMATION
The Tanjung Priok Class I PLP Base will continue to provide operational developments based on official and verified data from the field.
The public and media are urged to follow official government information. Operations will continue until conditions are declared safe.
( ISL News Editorial Team/PR PLP Class 1 Tg. Priok).
