Labuan Bajo, Indonesia — As the search for victims of the KM Putri Sakinah ferry disaster presses on, the family of the missing Spanish football coach has made a heartfelt plea for privacy, requesting that the identities of their loved ones be handled with discretion. Indonesian authorities have pledged full respect for the family’s wishes, framing the entire response as a humanitarian mission above all else.
The request comes following the tragic confirmation that one of the bodies recovered from the waters of Komodo National Park is that of a child from the family. The mother and surviving sister, who have been in Labuan Bajo since the Friday night sinking, are enduring what officials describe as a period of “profound grief.”
A Call for Empathy and Respect
In a public statement on Monday, Kombes Pol Henry Novika Chandra, Head of Public Relations for the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Regional Police, urged the media and the public to join in respecting the family’s privacy.
“We understand the deep sorrow felt by the victim’s family. Therefore, the NTT Police respect the family’s request that the victim’s identity not be widely exposed,” Henry stated. “We invite the public and media to together uphold ethics and respect the family’s privacy.”
He emphasised that from the outset, the police and joint search and rescue (SAR) teams have focused on humanitarian priorities: the search for the missing and support for the family, rather than public sensationalism.
“Safety and humanitarian values are the top priorities. The SAR operation is still ongoing, and we ask all parties not to spread speculation or content that could deepen the wounds of the victim’s family,” he stressed.
Coordinated Support and Continued Search
Henry confirmed that communication between the NTT Police and the family, facilitated in coordination with the Spanish Embassy, remains intensive. This ensures all developments in the search are conveyed clearly, accurately, and with compassion.
The broader SAR operation for the remaining three missing individuals—Valencia CF coach Fernando Martín Carreras and two of his children—continues to face significant challenges. Strong currents and deep waters in the Padar Strait have complicated efforts to locate the sunken vessel and the missing.
A Moment for Collective Reflection
In concluding his remarks, Henry framed the tragedy as a sombre reminder of maritime safety and an opportunity to strengthen social solidarity. “Public empathy means a great deal to the victim’s family,” he said. “Let us preserve Labuan Bajo and NTT as a safe region that upholds humanitarian values.”
The appeal from the family and the police’s supportive response highlight a critical, often overlooked aspect of major disasters: the long-lasting emotional toll on those left behind. It serves as a call for responsible reporting and public sensitivity, reminding all that behind every headline are individuals navigating an unimaginable personal crisis.
A note from Hey Bali News: We at Hey Bali News extend our deepest condolences to the family and fully respect their request for privacy during this time of profound grief. In line with this, we have chosen not to publish the names or identifying details of the recovered victim in this report. Our focus remains on conveying the essential developments of the search operation with the utmost respect and sensitivity.
