inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Indonesian National Police (INP)'s Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) team continues to identify the bodies of victims of the sinking of the KM Virgo Transport 8. DNA testing is one of the primary methods used because most of the bodies are in a state of physical inability to identify them.

Brigadier General Sumy Hastry Purwanti, Head of INP Medical and Health Center, stated that DNA testing requires comparative data from the victims' families to match DNA samples with the recovered remains.

"The bodies of the victims found are already difficult to identify. Therefore, the examination relies heavily on DNA comparison data," Sumy said in a statement on Monday (10/5/2026).

In addition to DNA, the DVI team continues to use several other methods in the identification process. Examination of medical characteristics and personal property found with the bodies is also carried out when conditions permit.

Sumy explained that a victim can be identified if there is a match through at least one primary method. These methods include fingerprints, DNA, or dental records.

Meanwhile, secondary methods include medical characteristics and personal property attached to or found with the victim. Secondary methods can be used if there is a match between at least two sets of comparative data.

"So, DNA sample examination is a last resort, considering that this process also takes time and must be sent to Jakarta," said Sumy.

The need to send DNA samples to Jakarta makes the identification process longer than if the examination could be conducted directly at the hospital.

Nevertheless, the INP's DVI Team continues to conduct phased examinations on each body received at Bhayangkara Hospital in Banjarmasin.

As of Monday (10/5/2026), 63 bodies have been identified out of the 80 bodies of the KM Virgo Transport 8 victims handed over to Bhayangkara Hospital in Banjarmasin.

Therefore, there are still 17 bodies whose identification process has not been completed. Some of the bodies are still undergoing examination, including the collection and delivery of DNA samples to Jakarta.

The results of the examination will later become one of the bases for accurately confirming the victim's identity.

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