Boat of Journalists Capsize; Minister Calls for Improved Safety
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22 January 2020 19:59 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi addressed the incident of the capsized ship in Labuan Bajo that was carrying a group of journalists covering the work visit of President Joko Widodo. Budi Karya asked for enhanced safety in cruises so that no similar accidents occur.
"I instructed the UPP (port operator unit) of Labuan Bajo and all levels of the Directorate General of Sea Transportation to be alert and improve cruise safety due to poor weather," Budi Karya said in a written statement, Wednesday, January 22.
The KLM Plataran Pinisi Bali ship, owned by Plataran Hotel, was carrying journalists and the presidential press bureau. The boat capsized after being hit by waves as it sailed from the hotel dock to Bidadari Island in Labuan Bajo, yesterday. The incident took place at 12:00 local time.
All passengers and crew are safe and were immediately evacuated using two ships and a speed boat.
Budi Karya asked the directorate in charge of marine affairs to tighten on-field supervision. He also instructed officers to check the feasibility of each boat and make a map of sea transportation safety.
Francisca Christy Rosana
