Six Samples of Human Bone Fragments from Ketewel Estuary Sent to Jakarta

Six samples of human bone fragments found in the muara of the Wos Teben River in Ketewel, Gianyar, have been sent to the Forensic Laboratory Centre (Puslabfor) of the Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) in Jakarta. The bone samples were sent by the Bali Police (Polda Bali).

The samples were sent to Jakarta for DNA testing to determine the identity of the victim and to address suspicions of a link to the kidnapping case involving a Ukrainian national in Jimbaran, South Kuta, Badung.

Head of Public Relations of Polda Bali, Kombes Ariasandy, explained that the transfer was made because the condition of the body tissue in the earlier discovery had deteriorated heavily. The six bone samples consist of a molar tooth, femur, rib, toe bone, tibia, and clavicle.

“Over there (Puslabfor Bareskrim Mabes Polri), they are able to examine bone samples. Because yesterday the tissues of the corpse fragments were too damaged for us to take DNA samples,” Ariasandy said during an interview on Wednesday (4 March 2026).

Ariasandy noted that DNA testing via bone samples was chosen because it is more feasible given the advanced decomposition of the corpse. The forensic team is expected to obtain genetic material from the bones for the identification process.

Social media speculation

Additionally, Ariasandy responded to various speculations circulating on social media regarding the Ketewel Beach body fragment discovery. He emphasised that the police cannot issue statements based on assumptions. Developments in the case must be based on evidence and scientific investigation methods.

“We are awaiting the results. Perhaps within a few days we will obtain the DNA test results and we will certainly inform everyone,” the former spokesman of Polda Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) said.

Ariasandy reminded the public to await the official laboratory examination results to confirm whether the body fragments found have any connection to the suspected kidnapping of the Ukrainian national or not.

At present, the police continue to investigate the two cases separately but in parallel. The certainty of the victim’s identity and any possible link between the two events will be announced after the DNA test results from Puslabfor Bareskrim Polri are released.

(hsa/hsa)