Retired Teacher Found Dead in Bima River After Friday Prayer

Residents were shocked by the discovery of a body floating in the river at the boundary between the Ule and Melayu areas, in the Asakota district of Bima City, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). The body is believed to be a retired high school teacher who had been reported missing for two days.

“After Friday prayers, it was found floating,” said Fachruddin (40), a local resident at the scene, on Friday (22 May 2026).

Detikbali observed that residents crowded to the scene to witness the floating body. Meanwhile, several people were seen embracing one another and crying hysterically on the riverbank. They are believed to be relatives or close family of the retiree.

Another resident, Syafruddin (40), revealed that the floating body was Muhammad Kasim. According to him, the family had already recognised the victim. He said the retired high school teacher lived in Mekar Baru neighbourhood, Ule.

“From the features, the victim is a resident here,” said Syafruddin.

Locals also knew Muhammad Kasim as an imam who led prayers at several mosques and prayer rooms in Kota Bima. Syafruddin confirmed that the retired teacher had been reported missing before being found dead floating in the river.

“Before he was found dead, the victim was reported missing from home by his son for two days. The news of the victim’s disappearance was announced on Facebook,” he added.

Asakota Police Sector chief, Iptu Mirafuddin, explained that police were still identifying the body found floating in the river at the border between Ule and Melayu. However, he did not deny that the family had recognised him.

“Still being identified. The victim’s body has been taken to RSUD Bima by the Inafis team of the Bima City Police for external medical examination,” concluded Mirafuddin.