Indonesian authorities explain their approach to suspects in the Komodo tragedy, highlighting a shift in legal philosophy and a broadening investigation into the fatal voyage.
LABUAN BAJO, Indonesia — In a move guided by a recent overhaul of Indonesia’s legal system, police have opted not to detain the two crew members named as suspects in the sinking of the KM Putri Sakinah. Instead, the captain and ship’s engineer are under a mandatory reporting order as the investigation into the December shipwreck, which killed a Spanish football coach and two of his children, continues to develop.
East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Regional Police spokesman, Senior Commissioner Henry Novika Chandra, clarified the decision on Saturday, citing a foundational change in the country’s new Criminal Code (KUHP). Under Law No. 1 of 2023, he explained, detention is considered an ultimum remedium—a measure of absolute last resort.
An Investigation Focused on Procedure and Negligence
The two men, identified by initials L (captain) and M (engine technician, previously referred to as KKM), are suspected of operational negligence under articles of the criminal code relating to navigation procedures and engine maintenance in extreme weather conditions. The Putri Sakinah sank in the challenging waters of the Padar Island Strait during a night voyage on December 26, 2025, an area since listed among ten officially recognized high-risk zones.
“The investigators have so far examined 18 witnesses, including crew members and the ship owner, to explore aspects of technical seaworthiness and operational SOPs,” Chandra stated. This witness count indicates a probe extending beyond the immediate actions of the crew on the night in question to include the vessel’s overall condition and management practices.
A Dynamic Case with Potential for Expansion
Chandra emphasized that the investigation remains “dynamic.” This suggests the legal net could widen if evidence points to negligence or deliberate oversight by other entities. “If strong evidence is found related to negligence and acquiescence from other parties such as management and the ship owner, the possibility of adding suspects is not closed,” he said.
The police spokesman affirmed that the legal process is proceeding “professionally and transparently,” with case files being prepared for submission to the prosecutor’s office.
A Decision Framed by Law, Scrutinized by Public
The police’s procedural explanation arrives amidst intense public scrutiny in Labuan Bajo, where the disaster sparked protests and allegations of deeper systemic failures within the local maritime tourism sector. For the international community following the case, the decision not to detain highlights a modern Indonesian legal principle in action. However, for a grieving family and a public demanding accountability, the measure of justice will ultimately depend on the investigation’s findings and the judicial outcomes that follow, determining whether responsibility for the tragedy rests solely with the crew or extends further up the chain of oversight.
