Sinking Standards: Indonesia's Ferry Safety Crisis Worsens The sinking of the Virgo Transport 8 passenger ship off the coast of Java on September 13 is just the latest example of a disturbing trend in Indonesian ferry safety.
The rescue effort has so far evacuated 103 passengers, but 140 remain unaccounted for. Indonesia relies heavily on ferries to connect its over 17,000 islands.
With sea travel offering a more affordable and convenient option than air travel, this reliance comes with a steep price: poor safety standards, lax regulations, and inadequate enforcement.