KNKT Highlights Vehicle Lashing Regulations on Ships, Calls for Evaluation

Dudy urged the Directorate General of Sea Transportation to ensure safety regulations go beyond administrative formalities and are properly enforced in operations.

According to him, every safety procedure must be carried out—from ship inspections, crew readiness, cargo conditions, to weather assessments before the vessel leaves port.

"We must ensure the ship is seaworthy, the cargo is proper, the crew prepared, weather safe for sailing, and all safety equipment functions before granting permission to sail," Dudy said in a statement on Wednesday (16/9/2026).

He also emphasized the role of the Harbor Master's Office and Port Authority (KSOP) in determining a ship's seaworthiness.

Dudy urged firm application of authority when issuing SPB. If safety requirements are unmet or dangerous conditions exist, the ship's departure should be postponed.

"If requirements are not fulfilled, do not allow the ship to sail; if hazardous deficiencies are found, stop it; and if weather conditions are unfavorable, delay departure," he asserted.

Dudy added that every maritime accident and incident must result in actionable evaluations. These evaluations should not end with reports but lead to improvements in regulations, operational standard procedures (SOP), supervision systems, and operational readiness.

To guarantee this, he tasked the Director General of Sea Transportation and all Heads of Technical Implementation Units (UPT) with mapping prioritized risks. Every corrective step must have accountable persons and be assured implemented on the ground.

No Premature Conclusions on KMP Virgo Transport 8 Investigation

Dudy delivered these directives amid ongoing handling of the KMP Virgo Transport 8 accident. He expressed condolences and stated that the government still prioritizes search, rescue, evacuation, and victim assistance efforts.

Dudy firmly said the government would not preempt the investigations into the cause of the accident.

"Regarding this accident, I want to say I will not jump to conclusions. We should not speculate about the cause. Let the investigation process proceed professionally and independently. However, we don't need to wait for the result to start improving," Dudy said.

Part of this article has previously appeared on Kompas.com under the title Transport Minister Tightens Maritime Safety Oversight Following KMP Virgo Transport 8 Tragedy