Sumenep, E Java, Aug. 3 -- Indonesian Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has assured that the evacuation and medical assistance for victims of the KMP Mutiara Sentosa II ferry, which caught fire off the coast of Sumenep, East Java, are proceeding smoothly.

Arriving at Kalianget Port in Sumenep early Monday morning, the minister met with Sumenep Regent Achmad Fauzi Wongsojudo, Chief of Sumenep City Police Senior Commissioner Ariek Indra Sentanu, and members of the regional leadership coordination forum.

"We express our deepest condolences over this tragedy," Purwagandhi said in an official statement released here on Monday.

"We are making sure the evacuation process is carried out optimally and smoothly, ensuring all passengers an...