Skeletal Remains Without Head Discovered in Musi River, Identity Unknown

Palembang — The discovery of unidentified human skeletal remains along the banks of the Musi River, specifically at the dock of PT Sinar Alam Permai (SAP) in Mariana Village, Banyuasin I District, Banyuasin Regency, on Monday, 23 February 2026, is now under investigation by the South Sumatra Regional Police (Polda Sumsel).

The skeleton was first discovered by a rice transport truck driver who was intending to bathe in the river. The witness observed a body washed ashore and immediately reported the finding to company security personnel.

The report was subsequently forwarded to personnel from Police Vessel V-1034 Muara Kumbang, belonging to the Water and Air Police Directorate (Ditpolairud) of Polda Sumsel. Police personnel, working alongside the Basarnas Palembang rescue team, quickly proceeded to the location to evacuate the remains.

Based on initial examination at the crime scene, officers discovered human skeletal remains that were no longer intact, consisting only of the torso from the waist down. Officers also documented clothing characteristics still attached to the skeleton: blue jeans and red shorts.

“The human remains have been evacuated to the Ditpolairud Command Headquarters. Following coordination with the Law and Justice Subdivision, the remains were transported to Bhayangkara Hospital in Palembang to undergo a post-mortem examination (autopsy) for identification purposes,” stated Komisaris Besar Polisi Nandang Mukmin Wijaya, Head of the Public Relations Division of South Sumatra Regional Police, on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

Polda Sumsel has appealed to members of the public who believe they are missing family members matching the aforementioned clothing characteristics to immediately report to Ditpolairud Polda Sumsel or visit Bhayangkara Hospital in Palembang to expedite the identification process.