Case Files Complete: Captain and Chief Engineer of Motor Sailing Vessel Putri Sakinah to Face Trial
The investigation into the maritime accident involving the motor sailing vessel (KLM) Putri Sakinah in the waters off Padar Strait has reached its final stage. The West Manggarai District Prosecutor’s Office has declared that the case files for two suspects are complete, designated as P21.
This confirmation was obtained after the Criminal Investigation Unit (Satreskrim) of the West Manggarai Police Precinct received an official letter from the West Manggarai District Prosecutor’s Office numbered B.404/N.3.24/Eku.1/02/2026 dated 26 February 2026.
The two suspects are identified as L (56), who serves as the vessel’s captain, and MD (23), who serves as the Chief Engineer (KKM) of KLM Putri Sakinah.
The Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit at West Manggarai Police Precinct, Senior Police Officer Lufthi Darmawan Aditya, stated that all formal and material elements of the case file have been satisfied. “Yes, we have received the P21 letter from the Public Prosecutor. This means the police investigation has been completed and the case is ready to be transferred to the prosecution phase,” said Lufthi when contacted on Friday (27 February).
The sinking of KLM Putri Sakinah occurred on Friday evening, 26 December 2025, in the waters off Padar Strait, Komodo Village, West Manggarai Regency. The tourist vessel, measuring 27 Gross Tonnage (GT), was travelling from Kambing Island to Komodo Island carrying 11 people, comprising six tourists from Spain, one tour guide, and four crew members including the captain.
During this voyage, the vessel encountered an incident and ultimately sank off the west coast of Flores Island. Of the total passengers and crew, three people died, seven were rescued, and one person was declared missing after the official search operation was concluded.
Investigators identified poor weather conditions and high waves as contributing factors. However, the investigation has focused on allegations of crew negligence. “Our investigation focuses on the negligence aspect. We are examining the vessel’s position, engine condition, and the decisions made by the captain and chief engineer when facing those night weather conditions, which ultimately resulted in loss of life,” said Lufthi.
For their actions, both suspects have been charged under Article 359 of the Criminal Code read together with Article 55 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code, as well as provisions under Law Number 1 of 2023 regarding the Criminal Code relating to negligence causing loss of human life. “If proven lawfully and convincingly in court, the suspects face a maximum prison sentence of five years,” he said.
With the case files declared complete, investigators will proceed with Stage II transfer, namely the delivery of the suspects and evidence to the Public Prosecutor for trial at the Labuan Bajo District Court.
Lufthi emphasised that this case must serve as a warning to all tourist vessel operators in Labuan Bajo to comply with maritime safety standards. “Passenger safety is paramount. There can be no compromise in the implementation of maritime safety procedures,” he stressed.
The tragedy has drawn serious attention to maritime tourism safety in Labuan Bajo, which continues to develop as a national priority destination. Law enforcement authorities are ensuring that the legal process proceeds to guarantee accountability and protection for passengers.