West Bandung Resident Survives KM Virgo Transport 8 Tragedy While Heading to Work in Kalimantan

BANDUNG, KOMPAS.com - The West Bandung Regency government has confirmed that one of its residents survived the sinking tragedy of Motor Vessel (KM) Virgo Transport 8 in the Masalembo waters of the Java Sea.

The survivor has now returned safely to his hometown in Sindangkerta District.

This confirmation was given directly by Yoppie Indrawan Iskandar, Head of the West Bandung Regency Manpower and Transmigration Office (Disnakertrans).

He explained that the rescue and repatriation process was conducted directly by local authorities as a form of responsibility and care for their citizen.

"Yes, following instructions from the Regent, I personally picked him up from Soekarno-Hatta Airport yesterday. He is now home," Yoppie said when confirmed on Monday (9/21/2026).

Who is the resident that survived this tragedy?

The West Bandung resident who survived is identified as Faisal Weskurni (25). He is from Parakan Tolok Hamlet, Wangunsari Village, Sindangkerta District.

According to Yoppie, Faisal was one of the passengers on KM Virgo Transport 8 who was traveling to seek work outside the region. His destination was Central Kalimantan, where he planned to work in the palm oil plantation sector.

"He intended to go to Central Kalimantan to work in the palm oil plantations," he revealed.

The journey turned tragic when the vessel he was on suffered an accident in Masalembo waters on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

How did the local government respond after learning one of their citizens was involved?

Upon learning that a West Bandung resident was among the victims in the incident, West Bandung Regent Jeje Ritchie Ismail immediately instructed officials to act swiftly.

The Manpower and Transmigration Office rapidly coordinated across agencies to ensure the handling and repatriation of the victim went smoothly.

Yoppie explained this move reflected the local government’s commitment to protect its citizens, especially those affected by disasters outside the region.

"Following the directives of Regent Jeje Ritchie Ismail and Deputy Regent Asep Ismail, we moved quickly to facilitate all aspects of Faisal Weskurni’s return, including flight tickets and airport pickup assistance at Soekarno-Hatta," he stated.

The West Bandung Regency government not only ensured Faisal’s return but also provided comprehensive assistance from the start until he arrived home.

"We want to make sure our citizen affected by this tragedy arrives home safely, healthy, and secure," Yoppie said.

Faisal Weskurni is currently at his home in Sindangkerta District and has been confirmed safe after going through the evacuation and repatriation procedures.

Parts of this article were originally published on TribunJabar.id under the title One West Bandung Resident Survives KM Virgo Tragedy, Immediately Picked Up at Soekarno-Hatta Airport.