Sinking of KM Virgo Leads to Captain Being Named Suspect
Arief Yunianto, the captain of KM Virgo Transport 8, has been named a suspect by the Water Police Directorate of the Indonesian National Police (Ditpolair Korpolairud Baharkam Polri). This designation follows the incident involving the sinking of the KM Virgo in the Java Sea waters.
The Sub-Director of Law Enforcement at Ditpolair Korpolairud Baharkam Polri, Commissioner Kukuh Prabowo, stated that following his designation as a suspect, Arief was immediately detained at the South Kalimantan Regional Police Detention Centre.
“The case has been transferred to the Law Enforcement Division of Ditpolair Korpolairud Baharkam Polri. We are currently handling it, and we have officially named the captain as a suspect and proceeded with his detention,” Kukuh told reporters on Wednesday (30/09/2026).
Kukuh noted that investigations are ongoing to trace the potential involvement of other parties who may be held accountable for the maritime accident.
“The investigation is currently continuing to identify all parties who can be held responsible,” Kukuh explained.
However, Kukuh did not provide specific details regarding the legal construction of the case or the specific articles under which the suspect is being charged. He mentioned that such details would be released once the entire investigation process is complete.
“The official release will follow once the results of the full investigation are finalised,” he added.
As previously reported, the Indonesian National Police Headquarters has taken over the handling of the KM Virgo Transport 8 accident in the Java Sea. The case was previously managed by the South Kalimantan Regional Police.
The Head of Public Relations for the Indonesian National Police, Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir, stated that an integrated response has been conducted since the onset of the incident alongside relevant agencies, covering both Search and Rescue (SAR) missions and law enforcement.
“From the beginning of the incident, the Police, together with Basarnas, the TNI, and relevant stakeholders, have taken integrated mitigation and handling steps, supporting SAR operations, evacuation, and services for victims and their families, as well as the investigation and inquiry processes,” Isir said in a written statement on Monday (28/09).
“Regarding the legal process, the case has now been transferred to the National Police Headquarters through the Water Police Directorate of Baharkam Polri for further action in accordance with regulations,” he continued.