MV Sekar Permata and MV Roba suffer damage during high winds in Batu Ampar waters
Two commercial cargo ships collided off the coast of Batam on Saturday, May 31, 2025, after being struck by extreme weather. The Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla RI) responded promptly, confirming only minor damages and no injuries.
Severe Weather Causes Collision
Around 15:30 WIB on May 31, strong winds and heavy rain struck Batu Ampar, Batam. During the storm, MV Roba, a Palau-flagged cargo ship anchored nearby, lost its position and drifted into MV Sekar Permata, an Indonesian-flagged vessel. Both ships had been at anchor when the collision occurred.
Bakamla Mobilizes Rapid Response
Bakamla’s KN Tanjung Datu-301, which was conducting Operation Yudhistira/25 in the area, received an alert via radio communication. Commander Colonel Rudi Endratmoko immediately deployed the VBSS (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure) team to assess the damage and document the incident.
Damage Assessment Confirms Severity
Initial inspections revealed notable damage to MV Sekar Permata, including a broken life craft, bent and broken starboard railings, and a damaged stern ornament. MV Roba sustained only light scratches on its starboard side. The findings were confirmed by Bakamla and reported publicly by Commander Rudi.
Both Parties Settle Amicably
Captains of both vessels confirmed the incident was a direct result of natural weather conditions. In a gesture of cooperation, the operator of MV Roba agreed to bear the repair costs for the damages sustained by MV Sekar Permata. This resolution was reached peacefully and without legal dispute.
Supervised Repairs Underway
Repairs will be conducted under the supervision of Bakamla’s VBSS team, along with officials from the Harbormaster and Port Authority (KPLP). This oversight ensures safety procedures are followed, with a strong focus on restoring vessel integrity and protecting the surrounding marine environment.
While this incident caused no injuries or major operational delays, it serves as a critical reminder of the risks posed by unpredictable weather in regional maritime zones. For both Indonesians and Singaporeans, it highlights the importance of preparedness, quick response protocols, and cooperation in safeguarding one of Southeast Asia’s busiest shipping routes.
Sources: G News (2025) , Tribun Batam (2025)
Keywords: MV Sekar Permata, MV Roba Collision, Batam Ship Crash, Bakamla VBSS Response, Batu Ampar Incident, Cargo Ship Accident
