A series of major incidents have once again rocked various sectors in Indonesia—from a pesticide warehouse fire that polluted the Cisadane River to the forced suspension of PDAM water distribution, a ship listing off Tanjung Perak that killed a worker, a coal barge fire that affected hundreds of families, and a ferry ramp door failure that sent a truck into the sea. These incidents demonstrate a common pattern: operational risks, technical negligence, and weak safety controls can quickly escalate into environmental, social, and financial crises. This edition summarizes seven shocking accidents with the potential for billions of rupiah in losses, exposure to legal liability, and significant reputational impacts for businesses and industry operators.
Ferry Ramp Door Breaks in Sofifi, 10-Ton Truck Plunges into Sea While Unloading Early Morning
A truck loaded with building materials weighing around 10 tons fell into the sea during the process of unloading cargo from the Permata Lestari ferry at the Sofifi Ferry Port, Tidore Islands City, North Maluku, Wednesday (4/2/2026) at around 03.15 WIT.
According to circulating video footage, a truck can be seen exiting the ship and heading towards the dock via a steel ramp door that connects the ship to the mainland. However, as the vehicle was halfway along the track, the steel cable holding the ramp door suddenly snapped.
As a result, the ramp structure was unable to support the weight of the vehicle and immediately broke, causing the truck to plunge into the sea.
The Head of the Ports Division of the North Maluku Transportation Agency, Nasrin A. Djabar, stated that the incident occurred because the ramp door was unable to support the truck’s weight. The driver managed to escape, and there were no fatalities.
Temporary losses include trucks and construction materials, some of which were reportedly swept away by the current. Rescue efforts were carried out by the ship, port officials, and local residents.
This incident raises serious concerns regarding the safety standards of ship facilities and loading and unloading procedures at the port.
Risk Accident Review
This incident demonstrates the high operational risks involved in loading and unloading activities at ports, particularly related to the failure of ramp door structures, which are critical equipment. Overloading, metal fatigue, or lack of regular inspections can lead to fatal mechanical failures. Key risks include total vehicle damage, loss of cargo, disruption to shipping operations, and potential claims against the ship operator or port management. If loss of life occurs, the legal liability exposure is significantly greater. Without proper maritime and logistics insurance coverage, financial losses resulting from incidents like this can significantly impact the cash flow of both transportation companies and cargo owners.
Types of Insurance Needed
- Motor Vehicle Insurance
Covers damage or loss of trucks due to accidents during the transportation and loading and unloading process.
- Marine Cargo Insurance
Protecting building material cargo from the risk of falling into the sea, being damaged or lost during the shipping process.
- P&I (Protection & Indemnity)
Covers the legal liability of the ship operator for losses to third parties, including vehicles and cargo.
- Public Liability Insurance (Port Operator)
Protecting port managers from claims resulting from facility failures such as ramp doors.
- Contractor’s Plant & Equipment Insurance
Guaranteeing port mechanical equipment including ramp doors from the risk of sudden damage.
Lack of Concentration Leads to a Pile-Up Collision Between 3 Vehicles on the Blora–Ngawen Road
A pile-up involving three vehicles occurred in Blora Regency, Central Java, on Tuesday (February 10, 2026) at around 4:45 a.m. WIB. The incident occurred on the Blora-Ngawen road, specifically in Karangtawang Hamlet, Tawangrejo Village, Tunjungan District.
The three vehicles involved were a Hino Bus with license plate number L 7759 UV, a Daihatsu Luxio B 1640 PRH, and a Mercedes Benz Bus B 7549 KGA.
Head of the Blora Police Traffic Unit’s Law Enforcement Unit, Ipda Bayu Destya, explained that the accident began when the Hino Bus driven by SD (50) was traveling from west to east and was about to stop to pick up passengers. Behind it, a Daihatsu Luxio driven by DR (47) also stopped at a safe distance.
However, from behind came a Mercedes Benz Bus driven by MSA (34). It is suspected that due to a lack of concentration and the distance being too close, the collision was unavoidable. The Luxio was pushed forward until it hit the Hino Bus.
The Daihatsu Luxio sustained front-end damage as a result of the incident. Fortunately, all drivers involved were reported safe.
Risk Accident Review
This accident demonstrates a classic risk in public transportation operations: human error due to lack of concentration and failure to maintain a safe distance. The incident occurred in the early morning, a vulnerable time due to fatigue and low visibility. The risk of a collision increases when the vehicle stops abruptly to pick up passengers without adequate warning systems. In addition to material losses, the potential for third-party claims is high if passengers or other vehicles are affected. Without proper insurance coverage, the financial burden can increase due to repair costs, lawsuits, and disruption to commercial vehicle operations, which directly impact the cash flow of transportation business owners.
Types of Insurance Needed
As an insurance broker and consultant, here are the relevant protections for risks like this:
- Motor Vehicle Insurance
Covers vehicle damage due to accidents, including multiple collisions.
- Third Party Liability (TPL)
Protects against third party claims for damages in the event of injury or damage to another vehicle.
- Passenger Liability Insurance
It is important for public buses to protect passengers in the event of injury or death.
- Personal Accident Driver
Provides compensation for drivers if they suffer injury or disability due to an accident.
Bandung Plastic Factory Explodes & Catches Fire, 24 Firefighters Deployed – High-voltage Power Lines Also Threatened!
A major fire engulfed a plastic processing factory on Jalan Cibolerang, Bandung City, on Friday afternoon (February 6, 2026). Initial information was received by officers at around 3:00 p.m. WIB, and firefighters were immediately dispatched to the scene.
To expedite fire control, officers implemented a siege strategy from two main access points: the front and rear doors of the building. Around 20 fire trucks from Bandung City and four additional units from Bandung Regency were deployed to extinguish the blaze.
Several residents reported hearing several explosions from within the factory area. The explosions are believed to have been caused by a chemical reaction and production machinery exposed to high temperatures.
The fire’s proximity to a high-voltage power line (SUTET) has prompted PLN to be on alert to anticipate any impact on the electricity system. To date, there have been no official reports of casualties or estimated losses. The extinguishing process is ongoing.
Risk Accident Review
Plastic factory fires pose a high risk of exposure due to the flammable nature of the materials and the potential for explosions from chemicals and production machinery. In addition to the risk of damage to buildings and machinery, there is the potential for further losses in the form of operational disruptions, third-party claims, and the risk of public utility failure if the high-voltage power lines (SUTET) are affected. If the fire spreads to the electrical infrastructure, the consequences could extend to industrial and residential disruptions. The potential for business interruption is significant, including the loss of contracts and market confidence. Without comprehensive insurance protection, the accumulation of physical, financial, and legal liability losses can significantly threaten business continuity.
Types of Insurance Needed
As an insurance broker and consultant, here are the crucial protections for plastics industry risks:
- Property All Risks (PAR)
Covers damage to buildings, machinery and stock due to fire, explosion and other risks.
- Machinery Breakdown Insurance
Covers damage to production machines due to overheating, short circuits, or mechanical failure.
- Business Interruption Insurance
Covers loss of profits due to post-fire operational interruption.
- Public Liability Insurance
Covers third party claims if the fire impacts the surrounding environment or public infrastructure.
- Environmental Liability Insurance
Protects against potential pollution claims resulting from burning chemicals.
A motorbike rental shop in Seminyak, Bali, was completely destroyed by fire, destroying 14 motorbikes.
A massive fire engulfed the Bali Bagus motorbike rental shop owned by Saipul Rahman (55) on Jalan Drupadi, Seminyak Village, Kuta District, Badung, Monday (9/2) at around 00.11 WITA. The fire destroyed the entire contents of the building, including 14 motorbikes of various makes.
The motorbikes that caught fire consisted of two Honda Scoopy, one Yamaha Fazzio, one Honda Vario 125, one old Vario, three Yamaha Nmax, one Honda ADV, and five Honda PCX.
The incident was first witnessed by witness I Putu Yogi Suwidiantara (22), who saw the flames while on guard in front of the hotel where he worked. He and his colleagues went to the location and saw rental employees trying to extinguish the fire with water hoses. Residents helped by using fire extinguishers while waiting for three fire trucks to arrive shortly after. The fire was extinguished in about an hour.
There were no fatalities in the incident. Police are still investigating the cause of the fire, and material losses have not yet been estimated.
Risk Accident Review
The fire at the motorcycle rental shop demonstrates the high risk of businesses based on high-value movable assets in a single, enclosed location. The accumulation of 14 vehicles within a single building increases the potential for total loss in the event of a fire. In addition to damage to the building and vehicles, there is the risk of losing daily revenue from the units typically rented to tourists. If the cause is an electrical short circuit or negligence, legal liability can also arise. Without comprehensive insurance coverage, business owners face both physical losses and cash flow disruptions, which can hamper business continuity, especially in high-occupancy tourist areas like Seminyak.
Types of Insurance Needed
As an insurance broker and consultant, here are the relevant protections for motorbike rental businesses:
- Property All Risks Insurance
Guaranteeing shophouse buildings from the risk of fire, explosion and other risks.
- Vehicle Insurance
Covers damage or loss of motorbike units due to fire or other risks.
- Business Interruption Insurance
Covering lost revenue due to operational interruption following the fire.
- Public Liability Insurance
Protects against third party claims if the fire impacts surrounding buildings.
Source: https://www.nusabali.com/berita/212850/kebakaran-landa-usaha-rental-14-unit-motor-hangus
Pesticide Warehouse Fire, 5 Tons of Poison Contaminate Cisadane River! PDAM Water Supply Temporarily Shuts Off
A pesticide storage warehouse in the Taman Tekno warehouse area in Setu District, South Tangerang City, caught fire on Monday (February 9) at around 4:30 a.m. Western Indonesian Time. The fire, suspected to have been triggered by an electrical short circuit, quickly spread due to the large amount of flammable chemicals inside.
Sixteen fire trucks and 70 personnel were deployed to extinguish the fire. There were no fatalities, but material losses are estimated at Rp 2 billion.
The impact of the fires spread to the surrounding area. Approximately 5 tons of insecticide are believed to have spilled and washed into drainage channels, flowing into the Jaletreng River and the Cisadane River. Thousands of fish reportedly died, suspected to be poisoned. The Environmental Agency (DLH) took water samples for laboratory testing, while the Health Department advised residents not to consume fish or river water.
Due to the contamination, PDAM’s clean water distribution in several areas was temporarily halted. Water was distributed using tanker trucks until water quality was declared improved and treatment plants were gradually resumed.
Police have questioned five witnesses and are still investigating allegations of environmental pollution resulting from the incident.
Risk Accident Review
This incident represents a combination of industrial fire risks and environmental pollution with systemic impacts. Storing hazardous chemicals without optimal protection management increases the potential for catastrophic losses. This includes not only Rp2 billion in property losses but also potential environmental claims, public lawsuits, disruptions to clean water distribution, and criminal liability. The costs of river remediation, compensation for dead biota, and long-term health claims could exceed the value of the burned assets. Reputational risks and operational downtime are also significant. Without the right insurance structure, companies could face significant financial pressure due to the simultaneous accumulation of property damage, environmental liability, business interruption, and third-party liability claims.
Types of Insurance Needed
As an insurance broker and consultant, here are crucial protections for risks like these:
- Property All Risks (PAR)
Covers damage to buildings and stock due to fire and explosion.
- Industrial All Risks (IAR)
Suitable for industrial facilities with high-risk chemical exposure.
- Public Liability Insurance
Cover third party claims due to physical or material losses.
- Environmental Impairment Liability (Pollution Liability)
Protects against environmental pollution claims, cleanup costs, and remediation.
- Business Interruption Insurance
Covering the loss of profits due to operational interruptions.
Coal Barge Catches Fire at Semen Indonesia Port, Affecting 700 Families
A fire broke out on a coal-laden barge at the PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk Special Port (Pelsus) in Socorejo Village, Jenu District, Tuban Regency, on Friday afternoon (February 6, 2026). The incident sent thick, black smoke billowing high into the coastal area and surrounding residential areas.
The incident was captured in several videos circulated on social media by residents. Smoke and ash from the coal burning were carried by the wind into residential areas, causing minor respiratory problems and discomfort for residents.
Socorejo Village Head, Z. Arief Rahman Hakim, confirmed the incident. He stated that nearly 700 families, including visitors to Semilir Beach, were affected by smoke exposure. Residents were forced to close their homes and limit outdoor activities due to reduced visibility.
To date, PT Semen Indonesia Group (SIG) has not provided an official statement regarding the cause of the fire or further mitigation steps.
Risk Accident Review
The coal barge fire in an industrial port area highlights the high operational risks of maritime logistics, particularly for flammable bulk cargo such as coal. In addition to the risk of damage to the vessel and cargo, this incident creates legal liability exposure due to the impact of air pollution on the surrounding community. Exposure to smoke by hundreds of families has the potential to trigger third-party claims, both individual and group. Corporate reputational risks also increase, particularly given the port’s proximity to residential and tourist areas. Without comprehensive insurance protection, companies could face significant financial losses from damage claims, lawsuits, and disruption to port operations.
Types of Insurance Needed
As an insurance broker and consultant, here are the relevant protections for these risks:
- Marine Hull & Machinery Insurance
Covers physical damage to barges due to fire and other maritime risks.
- Marine Cargo Insurance
Protecting coal cargo from the risk of fire and loss during the loading and unloading process.
- Protection & Indemnity (P&I) Insurance
Bear legal liability to third parties, including claims for injury or loss to the public due to pollution.
- Public Liability Insurance
Provide protection against legal claims from affected residents.
- Environmental Liability Insurance
Covers the risk of environmental pollution due to industrial activities or fire incidents.
30 Containers Plunge into the Sea! Pacific 88 Ship Lists Off Tanjung Perak, Killing 1 Worker
A work accident occurred at Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya on Monday (February 2, 2026) at around 4:00 a.m. Western Indonesian Time. The Pacific 88, which was carrying out a loading and unloading process, reportedly tilted, causing approximately 30 containers to fall into the sea.
Linda Novanti, Head of Emergency and Logistics at the Surabaya Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), stated that the ship was carrying approximately 100 containers. Of these, approximately 30 fell into the sea. Five workers survived the incident, while one person reportedly drowned.
The Surabaya Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) immediately conducted a rapid assessment and coordinated with Prima Multi Terminal (PMT) at Jamrud Port and the stevedoring personnel (TKBM). The container evacuation process began using a crane at 10:00 a.m. Western Indonesian Time.
Karlinda Sari, Senior Manager of Legal Affairs and Public Relations for PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero) Regional 3, stated that activities in the affected area were temporarily suspended for security purposes. Pier operations will be gradually reopened once it is declared safe. An investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the ship listing during loading and unloading.
Risk Accident Review
The Pacific 88’s listing incident during loading and unloading demonstrates the high operational risks of ports, particularly related to ship stability and container load distribution. Potential causes include errors in loading procedures, cargo imbalance, or ship technical factors. The impact of losses includes not only lost containers and cargo damage, but also worker death claims and potential lawsuits from cargo owners. Furthermore, the temporary suspension of dock operations has the potential to cause business losses and supply chain disruptions. Without adequate risk management and insurance coverage, ship and port operators could face significant financial and reputational exposure.
Types of Insurance Needed
As an insurance broker and consultant, the following protections are relevant:
- Marine Hull & Machinery Insurance
Covers physical damage to the ship due to operational incidents, including the risk of tilting and accidents during loading and unloading.
- Marine Cargo Insurance
Protecting the interests of the owner of the goods against loss or damage to containers that fall into the sea.
- Protection & Indemnity (P&I) Insurance
Covers the ship owner’s legal liability for worker deaths, damage to third party property, and evacuation costs.
- Workmen Compensation / Employer’s Liability
Guaranteeing compensation for stevedoring workers who experience work accidents or die.
This series of events underscores the importance of risk. A fire can escalate into an environmental crisis, a port accident can trigger fatalities and supply chain disruptions, and a logistics incident can escalate into mass lawsuits. Without disciplined risk management and a comprehensive insurance coverage structure—from Property, Marine, Liability, Environmental, to Workers’ Compensation—a single incident can be enough to disrupt cash flow, reputation, and even business continuity. Amidst the operational complexity of modern industry, protection is no longer a defensive option, but a strategic foundation for maintaining business stability and public trust.
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