Unidentified Man's Body Found Floating in West Lombok River

An unidentified male body was discovered floating in a river at Dusun Batu Kuta Utara, Desa Batu Kuta, Kecamatan Narmada, West Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara Province. Upon examination, the deceased was found to be carrying several medications in his trouser pockets.

The police chief of Narmada subdistrict, First Inspector Kadek Ariawan, reported that the unidentified body was discovered by a local resident named Rendi on the morning of Monday, 16 March 2026. Rendi encountered the body whilst attempting to cross the river.

“(Witness Rendi) saw something in the river, initially thinking it was a bag. Upon checking, it turned out to be a floating corpse,” said Ariawan.

Rendi subsequently contacted his brother-in-law, Maryadi Idris, the head of Dusun Batu Kuta Selatan, Desa Batu Kuta. News of the discovery was then relayed to the village development officer (Babinsa) of Desa Batu Kuta.

Upon arrival at the scene, the body was found in a face-down position. The deceased was wearing a brown striped t-shirt, navy blue jeans, and no footwear. “The witness did not recognise the body,” said Ariawan.

Police who received the information proceeded to the location and conducted evacuation procedures. Following preliminary examination at the scene, no identification documents were discovered. “Residents present during the evacuation at the scene did not recognise the individual,” Ariawan stated.

The unidentified body was subsequently transported to Narmada Health Centre. Based on examination by personnel, the following items were found in the deceased’s trouser pockets: 22,000 rupiah in cash, spectacles, Fridep-branded medication containing sertraline for treating depression, and Alprazolam tranquillisers. Three additional unbranded medications were also discovered.

According to the medical team’s assessment at Narmada Health Centre, the man was estimated to have died within 12 hours of discovery. The medical team also identified several injuries on the body.

Authorities are continuing to investigate whether the individual died by suicide or from other causes. Police are also searching for the deceased’s family members. The body has been transferred to Bhayangkara Hospital.