KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya Ferry Accident (2025)

The KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya Ferry Disaster is a maritime accident that occurred on 2 July 2025 off the coast of Bali Island in Indonesia. The ferry KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya, which operated on the route from Banyuwangi Port on Java Island to Gilimanuk Port on Bali, sank approximately 25 to 30 minutes after departure in the waters of the Bali Strait. As a result of the incident, at least five people lost their lives. Following the disaster, between 29 and 32 people were reported missing, and a comprehensive search and rescue operation was launched.

Route and Ferry Details

The ferry KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya departed from Ketapang Port in the city of Banyuwangi, located in East Java Province, Indonesia, and was en route to Gilimanuk Port on Bali Island. This approximately 50-kilometer route is one of the busiest maritime corridors between Java and Bali. The ferry was registered with a capacity to carry 67 passengers and 25 vehicles.

At the time of the accident, there were 65 people on board the ferry, consisting of 53 passengers and 12 crew members. The ferry was also carrying 22 vehicles, including 14 trucks. The vessel was operated by a private company and served the Ketapang-Gilimanuk route under PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero).

Sequence of the Disaster

The disaster occurred at 23:20 local Indonesian time on the night of 2 July 2025. According to initial reports, the ferry issued an emergency call via radio approximately 25 to 30 minutes after departure. At 23:35, it was reported that the ferry had suffered a complete power failure (blackout). Subsequently, the vessel listed several times, began taking on water, and sank shortly thereafter. The last recorded coordinates were -08°09.371', 114°25.1569'.

The sinking was observed by port authorities, but initial response was delayed due to the loss of radio communication. Limited communication was maintained with other vessels belonging to the company.

Rescue Operations

The rescue operations were coordinated by the National Search and Rescue Agency of Indonesia (BASARNAS). Participants included the Surabaya Search and Rescue Office, the Tanjung Wangi Port Authority (KSOP), units from the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL), police units, and rescue vessels from private companies. A total of nine vessels and one helicopter were deployed. The rescue fleet included two BASARNAS vessels, two KSOP vessels, two private company vessels, two TNI AL warships, and one police maritime unit. Additionally, 13 divers were dispatched to the area.

Adverse weather conditions during the first night of the operation significantly hampered efforts. Wave heights reached two meters, while current speeds and wind intensity reached critical levels. The Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) reported later the following afternoon that wave heights had increased to 2.5 meters. As weather and sea conditions improved during the day, rescue operations gained momentum.

Initial reports varied on the number of fatalities, with some sources citing four and others five deaths. By the end of the first day, between 29 and 35 people had been rescued. Most of the rescued individuals were reported to have boarded the ferry in Banyuwangi, while some originated from inland areas of Java. Rescued persons were transported to various health facilities on Bali, primarily Jembrana Regional Hospital. Some survivors were found unconscious after spending hours adrift in rough seas.

Possible Causes and Investigation

The official cause of the disaster has not yet been determined, but preliminary findings suggest a possible water leak in the engine room. Adverse weather conditions have also been identified as a major contributing factor. The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation and local authorities have confirmed that an investigation is ongoing.

Official Statements

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who was informed of the incident during a visit to Saudi Arabia, issued immediate orders for emergency response. PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) expressed condolences to the public and stated that other ferry services would continue without disruption. The company also urged passengers to remain calm and pay attention to weather conditions.

Press statements emphasized that unverified reports should not be trusted to prevent misinformation, and that only official updates from BASARNAS and the Tanjung Wangi Port Authority should be considered authoritative.