Unveiling Masalembo Waters, Indonesia's 'Bermuda Triangle' of Shipwrecks

The sinking of the cargo ship Virgo Transport 8, en route from Surabaya to Banjarmasin and carrying a total of 243 people, adds another grim chapter to the history of mass transportation accidents in Indonesia. The incident has once again brought attention to the Masalembo waters in the Java Sea, an area frequently associated with maritime and aerial disasters. According to the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the ship's captain reported that strong waves hitting the right side of the vessel caused it to tilt before ultimately sinking. This information was obtained directly from the captain during the search and rescue operation. The Virgo Transport 8, carrying 213 passengers and 30 crew members, departed Surabaya on Saturday morning (September 12, 2026) and was reported missing early Sunday morning (September 13, 2026), with its last known position in the Masalembo waters of the Java Sea. The Masalembo waters have long been a source of concern, often referred to as Indonesia's Bermuda Triangle due to the high frequency of ship and aircraft accidents in the vicinity. Beyond its mysterious reputation, Masalembo holds several interesting facts, as detailed in the Journal of Maritime Science and Technology, Vol. XVI No. 2, 'Mystery of the 'Masalembo' Triangle'. 1. Location of Masalembo Waters The Masalembo Triangle is situated around the Masalembo Islands. Specifically, it lies within an imaginary triangle in the Java Sea between Bawean Island in East Java, Majene City in West Sulawesi, and Tengah Island in West Nusa Tenggara. Geographically, the Masalembo Islands consist of four islands, three of which are inhabited: Masalembo, Masakambing, and Karamian. The uninhabited island is known as Kambing Island. Administratively, the Masalembo Islands are part of Sumenep Regency, Madura, East Java, with a total area of 40.85 square kilometers. The archipelago is bordered by the Java Sea on all sides. 2. Indonesia's Bermuda Triangle The Masalembo waters are dubbed Indonesia's Bermuda Triangle because of the numerous ship and plane accidents that have occurred there. Two of the most prominent cases are the KM Tampomas II disaster and the disappearance of Adam Air Flight. The KM Tampomas II ferry caught fire on January 25, 1981, while sailing from Tanjung Priok Port to Ujungpandang. It was carrying 1,105 passengers, 191 cars, and 200 motorcycles. The incident resulted in 431 fatalities, including the captain, Abdul Rivai. Adam Air Flight, en route from Surabaya to Manado, disappeared on January 1, 2007. The aircraft, carrying 102 passengers, lost contact with Makassar Air Traffic Control. Based on the black box recordings found in the Majene waters by the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT), the plane crashed into the sea, breaking into two pieces. Another incident in the Masalembo waters was the Ro-Ro ferry KM Santika Nusantara, traveling from Surabaya to Balikpapan, which caught fire at sea on Thursday, August 22, 2019, at 20:45 WIB. Fortunately, all passengers were saved without any fatalities. Several factors contribute to the danger of the Masalembo Triangle area. Firstly, it is influenced by the confluence of currents known as Arlindo. Arlindo currents are significantly affected by weather and seasons. Additionally, another current from the Makassar Strait, a thermocline or sea water flow due to differences in ocean temperatures, also plays a role. These two currents meet around the Masalembo Triangle. Although their movement is not rapid, they still affect navigation in the region. In the Masalembo Triangle, sea currents and winds sometimes occur due to pressure differences in daily and annual cycles. These then combine, forming slow-moving but potentially unpredictable vortexes akin to tornadoes, storms, hurricanes, or typhoons that can suddenly change direction. Local communities believe that the Masalembo Triangle is the dwelling place of the largest supernatural kingdom in Indonesia, inhabited by spirits and jinns. Another version suggests the Masalembo waters are controlled by 'Ratu Malaka', an invisible mystical figure believed to be the 'mother' of the Sea People. Consequently, residents of the Masalembo Islands believe that anyone intending to pass through their waters must offer greetings and seek permission from the sea dwellers, along with special offerings. A sign of white, linear waves indicates that the area should not be entered; proceeding is considered a gamble with one's life. Typically, those who defy this and sail on will encounter bad weather or face misfortune throughout their journey. Despite its dangerous and eerie reputation, the Masalembo waters also possess stunning natural beauty. Surrounded by the sea, the Masalembo Islands feature numerous beautiful beaches. Being a less-traveled area, Masalembo remains pristine and uncrowded, making it ideal for tourists seeking a peaceful escape amidst captivating coastal scenery. Must-visit beaches include Pantai Masna, Cemara, and Sembilan Gili Genting. The clear blue sea and white sand beaches promise a stay that makes one reluctant to leave. Source: Liputan6