A

boat operated by the Jakarta Transportation Agency exploded near the main pier of Panggang Island, North Thousand Islands subdistrict, on Sunday, injuring at least nine people on board.

Adj. Sr. Comr. Victor Siagian, Thousand Islands Police chief, said the vessel, which had been transporting attendees of a festival on the island, had docked at around 8 a.m.

Victor said after attending the festival, the group planned to travel to Pramuka Island, another island in the Thousand Islands regency, at around 10:20 a.m.

“At that time, the boat’s engine exploded,” he said.

The boat was used daily to transport students between islands.

“The injured were taken to Pramuka Island Hospital for treatment. The boat will be checked further by the police to find the cause of the [explosion],” Victor said.