Ferry Sinks En Route from Java to Bali
A Bali ferry sinks; tragedy has left at least four people dead and dozens missing after a vessel carrying 65 people capsized en route from Java to Bali late Wednesday night. The KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya ferry sank about 25 minutes after departing East Java’s Ketapang port, according to Indonesian authorities. It was bound for Gilimanuk port in northern Bali, a route frequently used by locals and tourists travelling between the two islands.
Rescue teams have so far recovered four bodies and saved 29 passengers, many of whom had drifted unconscious in the choppy waters for hours. The ferry was carrying 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and 22 vehicles, including 14 trucks, at the time of the incident. Officials said waves up to 2 metres high and darkness hampered rescue operations overnight, although improved weather conditions later aided the search.
Family members anxiously await updates about the 65 people who were on the ferry. [Credit: AP/Andur]
Rescue Efforts Underway
Nine boats, including tugboats, inflatable rescue vessels, local fishermen, and onshore volunteers, have joined the efforts to locate the missing. A ferry port officer witnessed the sinking and reported that the ferry had begun to tilt shortly after departure. The vessel had been unreachable via radio until it briefly made contact with another ship from the same company, confirming the dangerous situation onboard.
Nanang Sigit, head of Surabaya’s Search and Rescue Agency, stated, “Today’s search focuses on water areas, as the initial victims were found drifting between the accident site and Gilimanuk port.” Four survivors managed to escape using the ferry’s lifeboat and were rescued early Thursday morning.
Bad Weather Likely Cause of the Sinking
While authorities have not confirmed the precise cause of the accident, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya stated that “bad weather” was likely to be the cause. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who was in Saudi Arabia at the time, immediately ordered an emergency response. This swift directive underscores the seriousness of the Bali ferry disaster and the government’s commitment to search-and-rescue efforts.
As of now, it remains unclear whether the passenger manifest accurately reflects the actual number of people on board. In Indonesia, it is common for manifests to be inaccurate, which means the actual toll may be higher.
Ferry Tragedy Raises Concerns for Maritime Safety
Marine accidents are frequent in Indonesia, an archipelago comprising more than 17,000 islands, where ferries play a crucial role as primary transportation links. Unfortunately, safety lapses and unpredictable weather often lead to tragedies. In March 2025, a small boat capsized off Bali, killing an Australian tourist. In 2018, over 150 people drowned when a ferry sank in Lake Toba, Sumatra.
The sinking of KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya has once again highlighted vulnerabilities in Indonesia’s maritime infrastructure. The nation’s ferry network, although essential, often operates under relaxed safety standards. This incident may prompt a renewed push for regulatory enforcement, vessel inspections, and improved weather monitoring.
Relatives wait for updates after a ferry sank off the popular Indonesian resort island of Bali. [Credit: AFP/Getty Images]
Impact on Bali’s Tourism Industry
The sinking has serious implications for Bali’s tourism sector. As one of Southeast Asia’s most popular holiday destinations, Bali attracts millions of international and domestic travellers annually. The ferry route from Java to Bali is a key travel corridor, particularly for those transporting goods or travelling by vehicle.
With the Bali ferry sinks disaster making international headlines, tourism operators fear a drop in confidence from potential visitors. Although there is no evidence that foreigners were among the passengers, the impact on perception is unavoidable. Tourism officials will likely monitor booking trends closely and may launch reassurance campaigns to maintain Bali’s reputation as a safe destination.
Government’s Response and Future Safety Measures
The Indonesian government has pledged to thoroughly investigate the incident. Authorities will also assess the possibility of revising safety protocols for inter-island ferries. Steps may include improving passenger tracking systems, enforcing stricter weather-related sailing restrictions, and mandating additional crew training.
Rescue teams remain active in the search, and relatives of missing passengers have gathered anxiously at ports seeking updates. Many expressed frustration over the lack of early communication and emotional distress as they awaited confirmation about their loved ones.
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Rebuilding Trust in Maritime Travel
Bali’s tourism industry has shown resilience in the face of previous crises, including natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this ferry accident poses a different challenge, as it speaks to the infrastructure that supports tourism itself. Authorities must act decisively to rebuild public trust and assure visitors that safety remains a top priority.
Improved transparency, investment in safer vessels, and a review of ferry company operations may play a role in restoring confidence. Bali’s continued success as a global tourism hub depends not only on its beaches and culture, but also on the systems that connect it to the rest of Indonesia.
