Police Officer and Soldier Perish While Saving Drowning Teen in Southeast Maluku Waters

A heroic rescue attempt in the waters of Maluku Tenggara ended in tragedy. An Intelkam member of the Maluku Regional Police, Briptu Nanda Tutupoho, died while trying to save a student who had been swept away by the current at Nirun Lear Ngursoin Beach, Danar Ternate Village, Kei Kecil Timur Selatan District, Maluku Tenggara Regency. The incident occurred on Sunday, 21 June 2026, at around 14:40 WIT, when a 16-year-old student, identified by the initials OPY, reportedly fell from a cliff and was carried off by strong sea currents. Seeing the victim in a dangerous situation, Briptu Nanda, who was at the location, immediately jumped into the sea to help without waiting for assistance. However, the rescue effort turned tragic when Briptu Nanda himself was also swept away by the current. Shortly after, a member of the D. Dumatubun Air Force Base, Serda Rangga, also entered the water to assist in the rescue. Local residents and a rescue team subsequently worked to evacuate all victims from the sea. The student was successfully rescued and is currently undergoing medical treatment. Unfortunately, despite receiving medical attention, Briptu Nanda and Serda Rangga were pronounced dead. The Head of the Public Information Bureau of the National Police Public Relations Division, Brigadier General Pol. Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, expressed deep condolences for the loss of Briptu Nanda, praising his extraordinary courage in attempting to save another’s life. ‘The National Police mourns the loss of Briptu Nanda Tutupoho, who died while trying to save a child in distress. His actions are a true reflection of the humanitarian values, courage, and dedication that form the identity of every Bhayangkara member,’ he stated on Monday, 22 June 2026. He added that Briptu Nanda’s actions demonstrated that police officers are always present for the community, even when facing risks to their own safety. ‘He acted out of a humanitarian calling. With courage and sincerity, he tried to save a fellow human being. This kind of dedication serves as an example for all police officers that the duty to protect the community knows no boundaries of space or time,’ he said. Trunoyudo also extended his condolences for the death of Serda Rangga, who assisted in the rescue efforts at the scene.