Inp.polri.go.id - Ternate.  Taliabu Island Sub-regional Police have interviewed 24 witnesses following a speedboat fire that claimed six lives, including  North Maluku gubernatorial candidate Benny Laos.

Senior Superintendent Bambang Suharyono, the North Maluku  Regional Police Head of Public Relations, said on Sunday (20/10/2024) that investigators quickly cordoned the crime scene and set up police lines after the incident during a campaign event. 

They also collected samples of the wreckage for analysis at the Indonesian National Police (INP)’s Forensic Laboratory.

To ensure a thorough investigation, additional personnel from the North Maluku Police's Criminal Investigation Unit and forensic experts from North Sulawesi are assisting in the case.

Chief Bambang reiterated the police's commitment to a transparent inquiry aimed at uncovering the facts behind the Bella 72 speedboat fire. He urged the public to remain calm and refrain from speculation to maintain unity during the ongoing campaign period.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)