Cunca Wulang Tragedy: West Manggarai Tourism Head Questioned by Anti-Corruption Unit
The Head of the Tourism, Creative Economy, and Culture Office (Disparekrafbud) of West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Petrus Antonius Rasyid, returned to be questioned by investigators from the West Manggarai Police on Tuesday (2/6). This interrogation follows the fatal incident that resulted in the deaths of two tourists from Austria at the Cunca Wulang Waterfall tourist destination.
Unlike previous questioning, Petrus was this time interviewed by investigators from the Anti-Corruption Criminal Unit (Tipikor). The focus of the investigation is directed towards evaluating the management of the tourist destination and the accountability of the relevant department regarding the collapse of the suspension bridge in the area on 24 May 2026.
Following the interrogation, Petrus explained that the investigators’ questions were still in the preliminary stages and focused on the regulatory foundations for tourism management in the region. “Today, I was questioned by the Anti-Corruption Unit investigators. The examination is still in its early stages, merely exploring the overall main tasks and functions of the department. For more detailed substance, please refer directly to the investigators,” Petrus told members of the press.
He added that the involvement of the Anti-Corruption Unit is likely intended to examine whether there were any irregularities in the supervision and budget management of the tourist destinations managed by the local government. During the process, investigators also raised points regarding monitoring activities conducted by Disparekrafbud officers at Cunca Wulang Waterfall just days before the tragedy occurred. However, Petrus admitted he had not yet studied the detailed results of those monitoring reports.
“The information is that monitoring was conducted on Friday, while I was still performing duties out of the region and only returned on Saturday. The incident occurred on Sunday,” he stated. Nevertheless, he guaranteed that all supporting documents would be submitted to the police to facilitate the legal process.
This marks the second time Petrus has been questioned. Previously, he was interviewed by general crime investigators regarding elements of negligence related to the accident. Petrus emphasised that the results of the police investigation would serve as the basis for a total evaluation by the West Manggarai Regency Government. “Once there is clarity, it will certainly serve as material for us to improve the management of all tourist destinations in West Manggarai, whether managed by the government or other parties,” he concluded.