January 5, 2026 | 07:40 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Regional Police are still delving into the case of the sinking of the tourist boat KM Putri Sakinah. The boat was reported to have sunk in the waters of the Padar Strait, Labuan Bajo, Indonesia.
The Head of Public Relations of the NTT Regional Police, Commissioner Henry Novika Chandra, stated that they are currently investigating the issue of boat permits. "The authorities responsible for granting sailing permits are being thoroughly investigated," said Henry to Tempo.
Henry stated that the police will delve into all aspects related to the departure procedures of KM Putri Sakinah from Kambing Island to Komodo Island. However, Henry could not provide detailed information on which aspects will be investigated.
Prior to this, Henry stated that the investigative team also plans to promptly seize the ship's documents. The files are intended to be examined to delve into the possibility of negligence behind the incident of the ship sinking.
The West Manggarai Police Resort was previously known to have initiated the investigatory phase into the case of the sinking of the tourist boat KM Putri Sakinah. "The investigation is focused on alleged negligence," said the Head of Public Relations of the NTT Regional Police, Commissioner Henry Novika Chandra on Friday, January 2, 2026.
According to Henry, the investigators have so far examined several witnesses who were on the ship at the time of the incident. They include the ship's crew and those directly involved in the operation of the voyage and tourist services.
The investigators are still preparing the necessary materials to promptly conduct a case hearing. "The determination of suspects will be made after the investigators have sufficient evidence," said Henry in his written statement.
Henry emphasized that the investigative process aims to provide legal certainty and justice for the victims. "We hope this legal process will serve as a learning experience for all sea tourism industry players," said Henry.
KM Putri Sakinah was reported to have sunk while sailing from Kambing Island to Komodo Island, specifically in the waters of the Padar Strait on Friday, December 26, 2025. The boat was known to have been carrying 11 people, where seven were declared safe.
The incident resulted in four Spanish nationals, who were a family, going missing and presumed drowned. The four Spanish victims who drowned were identified as Martin Carreras Fernando, Martin Garcia Mateo, Martines Ortuno Maria Lia, and Martinez Ortuno Enriquejavier.
Meanwhile, the two Spanish nationals who were previously declared safe are the wife of one of the victims and their child. The other surviving victims consist of four crew members, including the captain of KM Putri Sakinah, and a tour guide.
Read: Police Identify Body of Valencia CF Women's Coach in NTT
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