TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Transportation Safety Commission (KNKT) head Soerjanto Tjahjono stated mostly the passenger ships sailing in Seribu Island have low safety standard. “Our recommendation last year was not heeded,” Soerjanto told Tempo, yesterday.
He explained the commission has warned the ship's owner to seriously concern the safety since the exploding of Zahro Express boat in Tidung Island in January last year which claimed 23 lives.
Soerjanto revealed the KNKT officers often found the ships that did not follow the standard safety requirement. He said that the ship owners should have conducted regular treatment and fulfilled the safety equipment.
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“They have a radio but they never use it,” Soerjanto gave an example, adding that the radio is important to monitor the location of the ship during the sailing and if there is an accident, the rescue officer will be easy to find the ship through the active radio.
Based on KNKT investigation, the negligence is often the main cause of boat accident. For instances, the fire happens due to the short circuit electricity or smoke from the passenger and the crew which then the fire blaze grabbing the gasoline that spilled in the dock.
“I often see people smoking while fueling the gasoline. It’s very dangerous,” said Soerjanto.
As reported earlier, on last Sunday, the boat owned by Jakarta Transportation Agency in a minute after the ship`s machine started was exploded in Panggang Island, Seribu Islands and caused nine people injured. The agency deputy Sigit Wijatmoko stated the investigation is currently underway.
AVIT HIDAYAT
