South Kalimantan Governor Calls for Safety Review After Virgo Transport 8 Sinking

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's South Kalimantan Governor Muhidin has emphasized the need for a comprehensive evaluation of maritime transport safety following the search and rescue operation for victims of the sunken vessel KM Virgo Transport 8 in the Java Sea.

According to Muhidin, maritime transport safety is not merely a technical matter; it concerns human safety and lives. He stressed that all vessels transporting people to or from South Kalimantan must be ensured to meet safety and seaworthiness standards and to strictly adhere to all safety procedures.

"Every passenger is not just a number on a manifest. Behind every name, there is a family waiting—parents, children, spouses, siblings, and loved ones," Governor Muhidin stated in a written release on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

Previously, KM Virgo Transport 8 had set sail from Surabaya to Banjarmasin with a total of 243 people on board. The vessel reportedly encountered an emergency situation after facing bad weather and lost communication at 02:00 WITA (Central Indonesian Time) on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

As of 12:00 WITA on Sunday, six fatalities had been confirmed among the 103 people evacuated following the sinking of KM Virgo Transport 8.

Muhidin directed the South Kalimantan Provincial Government to be present, take action, and collaborate with all relevant parties until the handling of the KM Virgo Transport 8 incident is fully concluded.

Addressing the victims' families, Muhidin reiterated that the government and the entire community of South Kalimantan stand with them in facing this tragedy. He expressed hope that the passengers and crew members still being sought would be found safe.

"We stand with you. The government is here. Search and rescue teams are at work. And we will continue to do our utmost to find and rescue all our fellow citizens," Muhidin said, while also offering his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.

He called upon the public to join in praying for the safety of the victims still being sought and to offer strength and fortitude to the families awaiting news of their loved ones. "May Allah SWT grant aid to all the victims, protect the search and rescue teams carrying out this humanitarian mission, and provide strength to all the families affected by the sinking of the KM Virgo Transport 8 in Javanese waters," said the Governor.

According to Muhidin, the primary focus for all parties right now is the search, aid, and rescue of the victims.

He has also directed the South Kalimantan Provincial Government to provide full support for the search and rescue operation led by Basarnas (the National Search and Rescue Agency) in collaboration with all relevant agencies.

The operation involves various parties, including the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces), Polri (Indonesian National Police), KSOP (Harbor Master and Port Authority Office), local governments, and other entities involved in managing the disaster.

In addition to supporting the search and rescue operation, Governor Muhidin has instructed all healthcare facilities in South Kalimantan—particularly referral hospitals in Banjarmasin and surrounding areas—to heighten their state of readiness.

This measure aims to ensure that rescued victims can immediately receive medical care and emergency treatment.

The Governor also ordered that medical personnel, emergency departments (IGD), hospital beds, ambulances, medications, blood supplies, and referral systems be fully prepared.

Muhidin emphasized that in an emergency situation, no victim should face delays in receiving aid due to administrative issues.

"No victim should be delayed in receiving help because of administrative matters. In an emergency, human safety is paramount," he stated.

Muhidin urged that the victims' families receive information that is clear, prompt, accurate, and reliable. The South Kalimantan Provincial Government continues to coordinate with all relevant parties to ensure the families receive support and do not feel they are facing this tragedy alone.

"We want to ensure the victims' families receive clear and reliable information. The government will remain present and coordinate with all parties," he said.

Muhidin appealed to the public not to disseminate unverified information, photos, videos, or news regarding the victims. He noted that the public should respect the victims and their families as they navigate this difficult situation. Ari Sudarsono, General Manager of Trisakti Port in Banjarmasin, stated that his team has prepared supporting facilities for the search and rescue operation for the victims of the KM Virgo Transport 8. "We have prepared supporting facilities for SAR activities, such as a command post, a medical examination area, a medical team, and cots," said Ari.