JAKARTA, July 3 (Alliance News): At least four people have died and 38 remain missing after a ferry carrying 65 people sank near the Indonesian island of Bali, authorities confirmed on Thursday.
The vessel, identified as KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya, went down late Wednesday evening shortly after departing from Banyuwangi port in East Java province en route to Bali.
According to Indonesia’s Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the ferry sank roughly 30 minutes into its journey.
It was carrying 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and 22 vehicles at the time of the incident. So far, 23 survivors have been pulled from the sea, while rescue operations continue in challenging conditions.
“Strong winds and high waves are hampering search and rescue efforts,” a spokesperson from Basarnas said. “We are doing everything we can to locate and rescue the remaining victims.”
Dramatic scenes unfolded as rescue teams, including divers, patrol boats, and helicopters, scrambled to locate the missing. Local fishermen also joined the rescue efforts as hopes remain alive for more survivors to be found.
Eyewitnesses reported that the ferry began to tilt before rapidly taking on water, leading to chaos as passengers scrambled for life jackets and attempted to escape. Survivors recounted scenes of panic, with people jumping into the water as the vessel quickly sank beneath the surface.
The cause of the disaster is not yet clear, but preliminary investigations suggest possible overloading and technical failure. Authorities said an official inquiry has been launched to determine whether safety protocols were followed and if the ferry was carrying passengers beyond its capacity.
Indonesia’s transportation ministry has promised a full investigation and pledged to enhance maritime safety measures, particularly during the ongoing holiday travel period.
“Such incidents are a painful reminder of the importance of enforcing strict safety regulations at sea,” said a ministry official. “We will hold those responsible accountable if there was any negligence.”
Ferries are a vital mode of transportation in Indonesia, an archipelagic nation consisting of over 17,000 islands. However, maritime accidents are alarmingly frequent due to poorly maintained vessels, lax safety enforcement, and adverse weather conditions.
Last year, a small ferry capsized near Sulawesi island, killing at least 15 people. In 2018, more than 160 people drowned when a ferry sank in Lake Toba on Sumatra island.
President Joko Widodo expressed condolences to the families of the victims and urged authorities to intensify rescue efforts. “Every life matters,” he said in a televised address. “I have instructed all agencies to do whatever it takes to rescue the missing and support the affected families.”
The government has also announced financial assistance for the families of the deceased and the survivors. Local hospitals in Banyuwangi and Bali have been placed on alert to receive any rescued victims in need of medical care.
Meanwhile, families of the missing passengers gathered anxiously near the rescue coordination center, waiting for news. Some held photos of their loved ones, praying for their return as rescue officials briefed them periodically.
As search operations entered their second day, officials said the focus would be on combing the waters between East Java and Bali using sonar technology and divers to locate the submerged wreckage and any remaining survivors or bodies.
Basarnas chief Air Marshal Kusworo said, “Time is critical. We are using all available resources and will not give up until we have exhausted every option.”
Local authorities have urged ferry operators to temporarily suspend services in the area until weather conditions improve and vessel inspections are carried out. Maritime safety experts have called for tougher enforcement of regulations and routine checks to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
The Bali-bound route, especially during peak travel seasons, is one of the busiest in the country, catering to locals, tourists, and commercial cargo. Concerns have often been raised about ferry operators overloading vessels and ignoring basic safety measures.
The incident has sparked renewed calls from civil society and transport safety groups for Indonesia to revamp its maritime transport oversight and prioritize investment in modern infrastructure, training, and emergency preparedness.
As the search continues, the tragedy serves as yet another stark reminder of the vulnerability of Indonesia’s inter-island transportation system and the urgent need for reforms to protect lives at sea.
