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| Indonesian President Prabowo Issues Emergency Rescue Orders from Saudi Arabia After KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya Ferry Sinks in Bali Strait Due to Bad Weather. |
While in Saudi Arabia for an official state visit and to perform Umrah, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto responded swiftly to a tragic incident back home — the sinking of the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya, a passenger ferry operating between East Java and Bali.
The vessel reportedly departed from Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi on the evening of Wednesday, July 2, 2025, heading toward Gilimanuk Port in Bali. Unfortunately, the ferry encountered extreme weather conditions in the Bali Strait, leading to its capsizing during the journey.
According to Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, who spoke from Makkah in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, President Prabowo was immediately briefed about the accident despite being abroad.
“The President was informed about the sinking of the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya due to bad weather in the Bali Strait,” Teddy said. “Even while in the Holy Land, he promptly instructed all relevant agencies to prioritize the emergency rescue of all passengers and crew members involved.”
Prabowo ordered Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) and other related institutions to launch a rapid emergency response, ensuring the quickest possible evacuation and support efforts for those on board the ferry.
Why This Matters on a Global Scale
This tragic event highlights the ongoing challenges faced by maritime transportation in developing countries, where passenger ferries are a critical part of the logistics and travel infrastructure. For international observers, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of robust emergency response systems and weather monitoring in vulnerable regions like Southeast Asia.
Despite being away from home, President Prabowo’s quick and decisive action demonstrates a strong leadership model prioritizing citizens’ safety over ceremonial obligations. His administration's responsiveness could shape future policies around maritime safety, especially on one of the busiest sea lanes in Indonesia.
Key Context for International Readers
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What is the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya?
It’s a roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ferry that regularly transports vehicles and passengers between Java and Bali — a crucial economic and tourism route in Indonesia. -
Estimated Losses?
While the government has not officially announced the financial impact, similar maritime incidents in the region have resulted in economic damages exceeding several billion Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) — equivalent to hundreds of thousands of US dollars — including loss of cargo, transport vehicles, and infrastructure disruption. -
Next Steps?
Indonesian authorities are expected to launch a full investigation to determine the root cause of the accident. Weather-related issues are currently suspected, but safety protocols, ship condition, and crew preparedness will all be examined.
As climate change increases the unpredictability of weather conditions globally, maritime safety remains a growing concern — not just in Indonesia but worldwide. International cooperation on safety standards, ship maintenance, and weather forecasting technology will be key in preventing future tragedies like this.
Stay tuned for updates as rescue operations continue and investigations unfold.
