Capital of South Kalimantan on the Barito River delta
A passenger ferry, the Virgo Transport 8, has lost contact on its route from Surabaya to Banjarmasin. Rescue teams have recovered 107 survivors and six bodies so far; search efforts are ongoing for the remaining people from a manifest listing about 243 on board. Authorities have deployed ships and a helicopter to the vessel's last known position.
A roll-on/roll-off ferry, Virgo Transport 8, has capsized in the Java Sea while travelling from Surabaya to Banjarmasin. Rescuers have recovered 108 survivors and at least nine bodies; more than 120 passengers and crew remain missing. Salvage teams and specialist divers are preparing to right the vessel to allow safer recovery amid strong currents and rough seas.
The Virgo Transport 8 has capsized in rough Java Sea conditions after sending a distress call. Authorities have confirmed several deaths and a large number of missing, with search efforts spanning multiple ships, aircraft and underwater teams.
Indonesia’s intense forest and peatland fires persist as El Niño drives drought, triggering cross-border haze that harms air quality and public health across Southeast Asia. Regional governments deploy firefighting personnel and aircraft while communities demand accountability and action to stop the cycle of fires and costs.