The Kantor Kesyahbandaran dan Otoritas Pelabuhan (KSOP) Kelas III Labuan Bajo is investigating a tourism cruise ship, the Maloekoe, for allegedly violating a sailing ban during a trip involving Jessica Mila. According to KSOP, the vessel lacked a valid Surat Persetujuan Berlayar (SPB) for its journey to Pulau Padar on Sunday, August 9, 2026, a period when the port authority had restricted access to the island due to adverse weather conditions.
KSOP Investigation into Vessel Maloekoe
Stephanus Risdiyanto, head of KSOP Kelas III Labuan Bajo, confirmed that the Maloekoe cruise ship did not possess the necessary clearance to enter the Komodo National Park area, including Pulau Padar, on the date in question. According to official records cited by Stephanus, the vessel’s SPB was restricted strictly to the route to Pulau Rinca, which was deemed safe for navigation during the weather-related closure that remained in effect until August 10, 2026.
The port authority has initiated a formal inquiry into the incident. Stephanus stated that the nakhoda of the Maloekoe has been summoned for questioning. Potential sanctions against the nakhoda will be determined based on a review of the vessel’s operational history, the circumstances of the voyage, and whether external pressure influenced the decision to bypass the restricted route. According to Stephanus, penalties for serious violations may include the suspension of the nakhoda’s maritime certification.
Jessica Mila’s Response to Allegations
The voyage gained public attention after Jessica Mila shared footage of her trip to Pulau Padar via Instagram Story on Monday. In response to accusations that she and her party knowingly ignored safety warnings, Jessica Mila stated that she and her family prioritize safety and would not have proceeded if they had been informed of a sailing ban.
As reported by Beritasatu.com, Jessica Mila explained that her party relied entirely on the ship’s captain for route decisions and safety assessments. She noted that there was no communication from the crew regarding any restrictions and that the presence of other vessels and tourists at Pulau Padar that day contributed to the perception that the area was accessible. She described the allegations of intentional non-compliance as “fitnah” (slander) and expressed hope that the incident serves as a lesson for stakeholders to improve transparency regarding maritime safety information.
Did You Know?
The KSOP Kelas III Labuan Bajo had issued a formal closure of sea travel to both Pulau Padar and Pulau Komodo until August 10, 2026, citing hazardous weather conditions as the primary reason for the restriction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the cruise to Pulau Padar prohibited on August 9, 2026?
The KSOP Kelas III Labuan Bajo had closed all shipping routes to Pulau Padar and Pulau Komodo through August 10, 2026, due to poor weather conditions.
What specific violation did the vessel Maloekoe commit?
According to KSOP head Stephanus Risdiyanto, the vessel operated without a valid Surat Persetujuan Berlayar (SPB) for the Pulau Padar route; its clearance was valid only for the trip to Pulau Rinca.
What is the next step for the vessel’s captain?
The captain has been summoned by the KSOP for an investigation. Depending on the findings, the captain may face sanctions, which could include the suspension of their maritime certification.
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