Ferry tragedy off Bali leaves many missing and dead
- The ferry KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya sank shortly after departing Ketapang port.
- Search efforts are ongoing for missing persons after the incident, which occurred in rough sea conditions.
- The tragedy highlights the frequent maritime accidents in Indonesia and raises questions about safety regulations.
On July 2, 2025, the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya ferry sank near Bali, Indonesia, shortly after departing from East Java's Ketapang port. It was en route to Bali's Gilimanuk port for a 30-mile trip. The ferry was carrying 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and 22 vehicles when it encountered rough seas and sank within 30 minutes of departure. Rescuers reported that 20 individuals had been rescued, many of whom were unconscious after drifting in choppy waters for several hours. Two bodies were recovered amid ongoing search efforts to locate 43 people still unaccounted for after the accident. Rescue operations, facilitated by nine boats, were complicated by waves reaching up to 6.5 feet high and the initial inability to establish contact with the ferry. Meteorological conditions were cited as a significant factor contributing to the tragedy, with bad weather cited as a cause by President Prabowo Subianto. Authorities suspect that the actual number of passengers may exceed the manifest, which is commonplace in Indonesia due to lapses in safety regulations on maritime transport. The situation stirred considerable panic among the family members of the missing individuals who gathered at the port, anxiously seeking updates on their loved ones. The ferry accident highlights the frequent risks associated with ferry travel in Indonesia, a country with over 17,000 islands where maritime disasters occur regularly. Historical incidents include numerous fatalities due to similar events, raising concerns over safety standards and weather conditions. While authorities focused their search efforts in the water, improved visibility and weather conditions on July 3 aided the continuing rescue operations. The search for survivors and victims remains a priority as rescuers work tirelessly to account for those still missing. It reinforces the need for stronger safety measures in Indonesia's ferry services, given the recurring nature of such tragedies in the archipelago. In summary, the sinking of the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya ferry not only led to a tragic loss of life but also served to underline the underlining issues of maritime safety in Indonesia, compelling stakeholders to reassess safety regulations to prevent future incidents.