Explosion on tanker MT Federal II at Batam shipyard kills 10 workers

Ten workers were killed and 21 others injured in a pre-dawn explosion aboard the tanker Federal II at PT ASL Marine Shipyard in Tanjung Uncang, Batam, on 15 October 2025. The blast occurred around 04.20 WIB and ignited a fire that was extinguished at about 05.00 WIB.

Police said 31 workers were on board when the explosion occurred. The victims included subcontracted workers performing hot work, including welding and metal cutting, inside the Cargo Oil Tank (COT) as part of ongoing repairs.

A surviving worker told Liputan6 that the ship’s ventilation blower had failed, trapping heat and fumes inside the tank containing crude oil residue. “When it exploded, the fire spread instantly. Some escaped, but many of my friends were trapped inside,” he said tearfully.

Another worker denied speculation that an industrial hose leak caused the blast, saying safety teams inspected hoses every two days. “If PT ASL later claims it was due to a hose leak, that’s not true,” he added.

Investigation and official response

The Riau Islands Regional Police (Polda Kepri) have launched a full investigation, deploying forensic teams and crime scene units. Kapolda Kepri expressed condolences and pledged transparency in the inquiry.

“We will determine the exact cause through forensic examination and witness statements. If negligence led to loss of life, we will pursue legal action,” the police chief stated.

Investigators from the Criminal Investigation Directorate, Inafis, and Labfor are reviewing administrative documents, subcontractor agreements, and compliance with occupational safety and health (K3) protocols.

Initial findings from the company’s Fire Incident Report suggest the fire started in section WBT 2S of the Cargo Oil Tank during welding operations.

Lawmakers demand accountability

Members of the Batam City Council (DPRD) expressed anger over recurring accidents at the same facility. Mustofa, Secretary of Commission I, criticised negligence in safety practices and urged comprehensive inspections.

“Human negligence driven by profit continues to take lives. Authorities must audit permits, worker certifications, and safety systems,” he said.

He also called on the Provincial Manpower Office and Commission IV of the DPRD to impose strict sanctions on shipyards that fail to meet safety standards.

The same tanker caught fire in June 2025

The Federal II had previously caught fire at the same PT ASL Shipyard on 24 June 2025, in an incident that killed four workers and injured five others.

Batu Aji Police Chief AKP Raden Bimo Dwi Lambang confirmed that the earlier fire broke out around 14.00 WIB during tank repair work. “Repair activities were underway inside the Federal II tank when a fire suddenly erupted,” he told Liputan6 on 25 June 2025.

The firefighting operation lasted several hours because the flames originated inside the tank. The fire was extinguished around 17.30 WIB, and evacuations began once the smoke subsided.

“Altogether there were nine victims — four fatalities, four with severe burns, and one with minor injuries,” Bimo said.

The June 2025 incident had already prompted concerns about PT ASL’s safety procedures. The October explosion — on the same ship and in the same repair area — has now renewed scrutiny of the shipyard’s operational oversight and emergency preparedness.

Continuing investigation

As of now, no suspects have been named. PT ASL Marine Shipyard has not released a detailed statement but has pledged to cooperate with investigators. 

The two deadly incidents aboard the same vessel within four months have fuelled national concern over Indonesia’s enforcement of safety standards in the shipbuilding and repair industry, which heavily relies on subcontracted labour.