October 19, 2025 | 07:52 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Police are still investigating the cause of the explosion and fire aboard the MT Federal II tanker at the PT ASL Shipyard in Tanjung Ucang, Batam City. The incident occurred on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at around 4:00 a.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB).
Director of General Crime Investigation of the Riau Islands Regional Police, Commissioner Ade Mulyana, stated that they are currently seeking and collecting evidence regarding the fire's origin. Investigators are examining whether there are indications of negligence in Occupational Health and Safety (K3) at the incident site.
"That's why we are looking at the crime scene, whether there are remnants from the tank's contents or not. The fact that it exploded means there was gas present," Ade said on Sunday, October 19, 2025, as quoted by Antara.
Here are the key facts regarding the explosion and fire aboard the MT Federal II tanker in Batam:
1. Death Toll Reaches 11
The death toll from the fire incident increased from 10 to 11. Barelang Police Chief Commissioner Zaenal Arifin stated that one victim, who had previously sustained serious injuries and was treated in the ICU at Mutiara Aini Hospital, was pronounced dead on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at around 3:35 p.m. WIB. Additionally, 20 workers sustained injuries in the explosion and fire.
2. 22 Witnesses Questioned
Zaenal Arifin confirmed that the police have questioned 22 witnesses in the investigation of the MT Federal II tanker fire at the PT ASL Marines Shipyard in Batam. The individuals interviewed include those who had knowledge of, witnessed, or heard the incident, ranging from PT ASL Marine Shipyard management, contractors' management, to subcontractors.
The questioning of these witnesses has been ongoing since Wednesday night. "We have questioned 22 witnesses," Zaenal said on Saturday, October 19, 2025.
3. A Similar Incident Occurred Last June
A similar incident occurred aboard the same vessel, the MT Federal II tanker, on June 24, 2025. At that time, nine workers on board became victims, four of whom lost their lives.
The investigation into that previous incident revealed management negligence, and two individuals were named as suspects. They were identified as A and F, personnel responsible for health, safety, and environmental (HSE) matters at the ASL Shipyard subcontractor.
Antara contributed to the report
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