Facts Behind the Naming of KM Virgo Transport 8 Captain as a Suspect
The captain of the vessel KM Virgo Transport 8 has been officially named a suspect by the Directorate of Water Police of the Maritime and Air Corps (Ditpolair Korpolairud) of the Indonesian National Police (Baharkam Polri). This designation follows the sinking incident of the Virgo Transport 8 on 13 September.
“We have handled the matter and have currently named the captain as a suspect,” stated the Sub-Director of Law Enforcement of Ditpolkerpolairud Baharkam Polri, Commissioner Kukuh Prabowo, on Wednesday (30/09/2026).
With the captain of KM Virgo Transport 8 now designated as a suspect, several key facts regarding the case have emerged. The following points have been summarised:
- The Captain Had Previously Reported the Vessel Tilting
According to the Head of the Banjarmasin Search and Rescue (SAR) Office, I Putu Sudayana, on Sunday, 13 September, before the Virgo vessel lost contact in the Java Sea waters in the early hours of Sunday, the captain had reported that the ship was in a tilting position.
“At 02:00 on 13 September 2026, the ship’s captain reported that the vessel was tilting,” said I Putu Sudayana, as quoted from Metrotv Breaking News. Following this report, the Banjarmasin SAR team immediately dispatched a vessel to inspect the location. The last detected position of the KM Virgo Transport 8 was 80 nautical miles (NM) from the SAR Basirih pier.
- Immediate Detention
Kukuh explained that the captain of KM Virgo Transport 8 has been detained at the South Kalimantan Regional Police Detention Centre (Rutan Polda Kalimantan Selatan). The detention was carried out to facilitate the ongoing investigation process.
- Ongoing Investigation
Kukuh clarified that investigations are still ongoing to trace the potential involvement of other parties who may be held accountable for the accident.
- Potential Penalties
Kukuh noted that the suspect, Arief, faces charges under two articles: Article 302, Paragraph 3 of Law Number 17 of 2008 concerning Shipping, and/or Article 474, Paragraph 3 in conjunction with Article 20 of Law Number 1 of 2023 regarding the Criminal Code (KUHP).