North Maluku Police Name 2 Suspects In The Sinking Of KM Cahaya Arafah

KM Cahaya Arafah Ship in the waters of Tokaka, South Halmahera on July 18, 2022 (Abdul Fatah)

TERNATE - Investigators from the Directorate of Water and Air Police (Ditpolairud) of the North Maluku Regional Police (Malut) have named two people as suspects in the sinking of the KM Cahaya Arafah Ship in Tokaka Waters, South Halmahera.

"There are two people who have been named as suspects, namely the captain of the Andika (AN) and the owner of the Iskandar (AHI)," said Kanit II of the Gakkum Polairud Sub-Directorate of the North Maluku Police, Ipda Adegair Ibrahim, as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, August 1.

According to him, investigators determined the suspects to the two people based on the results of the examination of a number of witnesses by investigators.

"We plan to make summons as well as detention," he said.

In relation to the handling of the case, as many as 12 witnesses have been questioned, including the captain of the ship, six crew members (ABK), the Commander of the Bastiong Port KPLP Post, as well as one of the staff, ship owners, officers from the Transportation Service, and two ticket sales agents. .

Investigators are considered to have fulfilled the elements in determining the suspect. However, the police will continue to investigate further regarding the handling of the case.

"Besides, we will conduct an in-depth investigation and do not rule out the possibility that there will be additional suspects," he said.

Meanwhile, the alleged articles are Article 302 Paragraphs (1) (2) and (3), Juncto, Article 117 and Article 310, Article 312 Juncto Article 145 of Law Number 17 of 2008 concerning Shipping and Article 359 Juncto Article 1 55 Paragraph (1) to (1) the Criminal Code.

"For the suspect in this case the threat of punishment is from 3 years, 4 years, to 10 years," he said.

KM Cahaya Arafah sank in Tokaka Waters on the route from Samo Village to Tokaka, resulting in 10 deaths, while one toddler named Keila (4 years old) was declared missing.