First, the bridge collapsed. Now, police are warning the internet not to make it worse.
The chief of West Manggarai Police has threatened criminal charges against anyone sharing graphic photos or videos of the two Austrian tourists who died after falling from a suspension bridge at Cunca Wulang waterfall on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
“We strongly urge all people, both in West Manggarai and social media users wherever they are, to immediately stop sharing photos or videos of the victims’ conditions that are not fit for public consumption,” said AKBP Christian Kadang, the police chief, in a statement on Sunday evening.
The victims, Jurgen Perjul (55) and Astrid Perjul (57), died after falling approximately 20 meters onto large rocks when the wooden suspension bridge collapsed beneath them.
The Legal Threat
Christian warned that sharing such content is not merely a violation of moral ethics — it carries criminal consequences under Indonesia’s Information and Electronic Transactions Law (UU ITE).
“Remember, there are real legal consequences,” he said. “Sharing content that violates decency, privacy, or inappropriately exploits the condition of victims can be prosecuted under the ITE Law. Do not let your initial intention to share information end up as a criminal act.”
He added that the police’s responsibilities extend beyond victim evacuation and investigation of the bridge collapse.
“The National Police also has a moral responsibility to protect the psychological condition of the victims’ families and to educate the public to have high social empathy in the digital world,” Christian explained.
What Happened
The couple arrived at the Cunca Wulang waterfall area around 9:20 AM, accompanied by their private driver and tour guide Muhamad Muhardin (30). After registering at the ticket post, they began trekking toward the waterfall.
When they reached the wooden suspension bridge — stretching high above a rocky river — the Austrians wanted to capture the moment. They handed their phone to Muhardin and asked him to film them from behind as they crossed.
“They were walking side by side, smiling warmly toward the camera,” Muhardin recalled. “They asked me, ‘Please take a video of us from behind as we cross this bridge.'”
They had walked only about 10 meters onto the bridge when the structure failed.
“Suddenly, I heard a very loud sound of breaking wood, like a large tree branch falling,” he said. “Within seconds, the bridge completely collapsed.”
He watched them fall onto the large rocks below. Both died at the scene.
The Bridge and Its Failures
Police have since revealed that the bridge was in severe disrepair. The wooden support beams were rotten. The safety nets on both sides were nearly 90 percent missing. There was no written inspection schedule, no warning signs, and no accident insurance for visitors.
The waterfall is managed by the West Manggarai Tourism, Creative Economy, and Culture Agency. It is one of Labuan Bajo’s inland attractions, about 1.5 hours by road from the town best known as the gateway to Komodo Island.
A Final Warning
For now, the waterfall is closed. The investigation is ongoing. And two Austrian families are preparing to receive the bodies of their loved ones.
Christian’s message to the public is clear: do not add to their pain by sharing images of how they died.
The internet moves fast. But in Indonesia, spreading graphic content of disaster victims can move you straight into a courtroom.
