KM Putri Sakinah Captain Sentenced to 3.5 Years as Valencia Coach's Wife Expresses Disappointment
The Labuan Bajo District Court sentenced the captain of the KM Putri Sakinah ferry, Lukman (56), to three years and six months in prison during a verdict hearing on Monday (25 May). Meanwhile, crew member Muhamad Alif Latifa N. Djudje (23) received a two-year and six-month sentence for the sinking of the KM Putri Sakinah, which resulted in the deaths of Valencia CF coach Fernando Martines and his two children.
The panel of judges found both defendants guilty of causing death through negligence. Presiding judge Putu Dima Indra, accompanied by judges I Made Wirangga Kusuma and Intan Hendrawati, stated the defendants were proven to have participated in maritime criminal acts leading to fatal consequences.
‘The court sentences Defendant I Lukman to three years and six months and Defendant II Muhamad Alif Latifa N. Djudje to two years and six months,’ Putu Dima Indra said while reading the verdict.
The case originated from the sinking of the KM Putri Sakinah in the Padar Strait waters on the night of 26 December 2025. In the tragedy, Fernando Martines and his two children were found dead, with one other victim still missing.
The judges revealed several aggravating facts against the defendants. One was the receipt of extreme weather warnings from BMKG Maritim Tenau Kupang, relayed via Notices to Mariners by KSOP Labuan Bajo advising the vessel to avoid hazardous waters. However, the ship proceeded into the Padar Strait, known for strong currents, whirlpools, and high waves.
Additionally, the court highlighted the defendants’ maritime competency certificates. Lukman obtained an MPR certificate without completing the required official training.
Crew member Muhamad Alif Latifa N. Djudje admitted obtaining a JMPR certificate by simply sending his ID card and photo to Surabaya without undergoing education or training.
‘What the defendants obtained through instant skills without proper training negates their defence that this was purely a disaster and not negligence,’ stated Putu Dima Indra.
In response to the verdict, Andrea Ortuno, wife of Fernando Martin Carreras, issued an official statement via her personal Instagram account, @andrea_orip. The statement, written in Spanish, Indonesian, and English on behalf of the victim’s family, expressed mixed emotions regarding the trial.
Andrea said the family experienced conflicting feelings during the legal proceedings. While they appreciated the judicial process uncovering various irregularities, they questioned certain facts revealed during the investigation.
‘On the other hand, there is deep confusion regarding the facts proven during the investigation,’ Andrea wrote on Tuesday (26 May).
The victim’s family also highlighted maritime safety aspects that were not upheld before or during the incident. They believed the court’s sentence should have been stricter given the proven facts.
‘Considering the facts proven during the investigation, we respect the legal process and believe further actions will clarify all responsibilities fully,’ Andrea’s statement read.
The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has expanded its search for two missing victims of the KM Putri Sakinah accident.
The case came to light after Labuan Bajo Maritime Police personnel discovered several fuel containers during routine sea patrols on Thursday (21 May) afternoon.