LABUAN BAJO, Indonesia — The case over one of Indonesia’s deadliest recent tourist boat accidents has entered a critical stage. On Wednesday, Manggarai Barat police handed over the captain and chief engineer of the ill-fated KLM Putri Sakinah to prosecutors, clearing the way for a criminal trial that could see both men imprisoned for up to five years.
The sinking of the vessel in waters off Komodo National Park in late 2025 killed three foreign tourists, injured several others, and left one person missing. The disaster sent shockwaves through Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo dragon habitat, and raised urgent questions about safety standards in Indonesia’s rapidly expanding marine tourism sector.
Case Enters Prosecution Phase
The head of the Criminal Investigation Unit at Manggarai Barat Police, AKP Lufthi Darmawan Aditya, said the case files for the two suspects—identified as L (56), the captain, and MD (23), the chief engineer—had been declared complete, or P21, by prosecutors in late February.
“Yesterday, we handed over both suspects, L and MD, along with evidence, to the Manggarai Barat District Prosecutor’s Office,” he told reporters. “Both are charged with negligence resulting in death under provisions in both the old and new Criminal Codes.”
The second-stage handover included verification of identities and the submission of documents such as vessel registration papers and passenger manifests. Investigators questioned around 18 witnesses and experts during the inquiry.
Negligence at the Heart of the Case
According to investigators, the charges stem from failures to follow basic maritime safety procedures, raising concerns within Labuan Bajo’s tourism industry.
The vessel, carrying 11 passengers including tourists from Spain, a guide, and four crew members, was traveling from Pulau Kambing to Pulau Komodo when it encountered rough weather and high waves in the Padar Strait.
The boat sank about 23 nautical miles west of Labuan Bajo.
A Warning to the Industry
Authorities say the case should serve as a warning to tourism operators.
“This case is a reminder that safety must always come first,” Lufthi said. “Passenger safety is non-negotiable.”
Komodo National Park attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, but its waters are known for strong currents and sudden weather changes.
What Comes Next
Prosecutors will now prepare formal charges and schedule a trial at the district court. The case is expected to draw close attention from the tourism industry and the victims’ families.
The sinking has already prompted calls for stricter safety enforcement, including better weather briefings, tighter passenger controls, and improved vessel maintenance.
For now, both men face the prospect of up to five years in prison as the case moves to trial.
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