Dr. Ing. Ir. Setyo Nugroho, a maritime transportation expert from the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS), has shed light on the various factors that may have contributed to the sinking of the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya in the strait. He identifies three primary factors: “A maritime accident often results from multiple concurrent issues,” he shared in a conversation with detikJatim on Monday, July 7, 2025.
The first factor is the poor condition of the vessel. The second is improper loading practices. “The third involves negligent crew behavior, among other things. This phenomenon can be likened to ‘Swiss Cheese’,” he explained.
Nugroho noted that if the sinking was attributed to any of the factors outlined, preventative measures could have been implemented, especially considering the vessel’s seemingly safe operating status. “This mindset often leads the public to think, ‘Oh, it was fine before, so it should be fine now,’” he expressed.
However, he cautioned that such a mindset can significantly heighten the risk of accidents. “It’s essential to communicate common sense and rational information to the public so they can grasp the situation better,” he advised.
When asked about the ship’s age and its implications for operational safety at sea, Nugroho responded, “Age is not necessarily a cause for concern. An older ship can still be in excellent condition if properly maintained.”
In addition to age considerations, he highlighted that a vessel’s operational suitability is determined through official assessment processes. “Whether a ship is deemed seaworthy is reliant on the results of inspections or evaluations conducted by the Indonesian Classification Bureau (BKI), which can be verified through its certification,” he concluded.
