North Sulawesi Police Take Over Fatal Drag Race Case, Driver May Be Named Suspect

The investigation into the Tidar Drag Race Championship 2026 tragedy in Kotamobagu has entered a new phase. A day after the incident that killed eight people, police have questioned five witnesses. The driver of the car, Tian Ngantung, is likely to be named a suspect.

North Sulawesi Police Chief Inspector General Roycke Harry Langie revealed that as of Monday (10/8), investigators had examined five witnesses. This number could increase as the investigation continues.

“We will examine all parties, starting from the sequence of events and the organising committee. What the potential issues are, of course, is still in process,” Roycke stressed.

The Kotamobagu Police have conducted a crime scene investigation and seized the Honda Jazz driven by Tian Ngantung as evidence.

Although the driver Tian Ngantung has not yet been questioned because he is still receiving treatment for serious injuries, the Police Chief emphasised that his position is crucial. “The driver himself has the potential to become a suspect,” he said after visiting the victims at Monompia Hospital.

The Police Chief even plans to transfer the handling of the case from the Kotamobagu Police to the North Sulawesi Regional Police. “The case will be taken over by the North Sulawesi Regional Police so that it is more transparent. In addition, we will proceed with law enforcement,” Roycke stressed.

According to the Police Chief, this step demonstrates the commitment of the authorities to thoroughly investigate the tragedy, not only targeting the driver but also examining possible negligence by the organising committee and the event management.

Eight people died and nine others were injured after a car participating in the Tidar Drag Race Championship 2026 tournament lost control and struck spectators.