150 Rescued After Ferry Breaks Down Near Seribu Islands

JAKARTA — All 150 passengers aboard the traditional ferry KM Makmur Jaya were safely evacuated on Sunday after the vessel suffered an engine failure in waters west of Pari Island in the South Seribu Islands, according to Jakarta authorities.

The ferry, operated by a private community operator rather than the Jakarta provincial government, departed Kali Adem Port at 8:15 a.m. local time, bound for Pramuka Island. At approximately 9:55 a.m., the vessel experienced engine trouble after its fuel was believed to have been contaminated with water, leaving it unable to continue its journey.

Jakarta’s Transportation Agency (Dishub) received the emergency report at around 10:20 a.m. and immediately launched a rescue operation.

“Our top priority was passenger safety,” said Budi Awaluddin, Head of Jakarta’s Transportation Agency.

“After receiving the report, we immediately deployed two vessels owned by the Transportation Agency to assist the evacuation alongside other government agencies. Thankfully, all passengers were safely rescued and were able to continue their journey to Pramuka Island.”

The Transportation Agency dispatched its passenger vessel Indra Kumala and patrol boat Hiu 5, which evacuated 63 passengers. The remaining passengers were rescued by boats operated by the Jakarta Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), while residents of Pari Island stayed on the island.

According to Mansyah, Head of BPBD Seribu Islands, the smooth evacuation was made possible through close coordination among emergency responders and local residents.

“The evacuation went smoothly thanks to the coordinated efforts of all agencies involved, as well as support from the local community,” Mansyah said.

Upon arriving safely at Pari Island, passengers underwent medical examinations before being transported onward to Pramuka Island aboard BPBD vessels.

“Passenger safety was our highest priority. Once we confirmed everyone was in good condition, we facilitated their onward journey to Pramuka Island,” he added.

By 1:20 p.m., all evacuated passengers had safely reached their intended destination.

The rescue operation involved multiple agencies, including the Jakarta Transportation Agency, the Harbormaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP) under the Ministry of Transportation, the National Police, BPBD Jakarta, the Jakarta Public Order Agency (Satpol PP), the Jakarta Fire and Rescue Department, medical personnel, and other emergency responders.

Authorities confirmed that no injuries or fatalities occurred during the incident.

Material losses from the engine failure are estimated at approximately Rp50 million (around US$3,000). The vessel remains under further investigation and technical assessment by the relevant authorities.