Antara News·Indonesia·Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 08:50 AM

Prabowo conveys condolences over Virgo ship accident

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Maria Cicilia Galuh Prayudhia, Yashinta Difa

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto has conveyed his deep condolences to the victims and families affected by the Virgo Transport 8 vessel accident in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, while addressing the public on Wednesday.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Jakarta LRT Kelapa Gading-Manggarai line at Manggarai Station, President Prabowo assured that the government continues to pray for fortitude and strength for the bereaved families.

“We keep in mind our fellow citizens who have suffered tragedies—most recently, the incident involving the ship Virgo in Banjarmasin. We pray that the bereaved families are granted fortitude and strength,” Prabowo said in remarks broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube channel.

President Prabowo emphasized that the government will carry out a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the maritime disaster.

The findings of the investigation are intended to serve as a critical evaluation to strengthen safety mitigation protocols and prevent similar incidents in the future.

"We will continue to conduct investigations and examine the causes and circumstances of the incident so that, in the future, we can improve mitigation and take the best possible measures," Prabowo noted.

In addition to the maritime tragedy, the President also expressed concern for communities across various regions currently impacted by natural disasters.

He assured that the central, provincial, and regency governments, alongside all relevant agencies, continue to coordinate effectively to manage disaster responses and assist affected residents.

"There are still many of our fellow citizens in various places facing hardships due to natural disasters. However, the entire government—central, regional, provincial, and regency levels, as well as all agencies—has demonstrated effective cooperation in facing these challenges and difficulties," the President said.

The passenger vessel Virgo Transport 8, carrying 243 people, lost contact in the waters of Masalembo, Java Sea, at approximately 02:00 Central Indonesian Time (WITA) on Sunday (September 13) while en route from Surabaya to Banjarmasin.

According to data from the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) as of 22:00 WITA on Tuesday (September 15), 114 victims have been found and brought to Banjarmasin, consisting of 108 survivors and six fatalities.

An estimated 129 people remain missing as search operations continue.

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