inp.polri.go.id - North Sulawesi. The North Sulawesi Regional Police, through the Directorate of Marine and Air Police has identified one suspect following the fire of the KM Barcelona V A, which occurred in the waters off Talise Village, West Likupang District, North Minahasa Regency, on Sunday afternoon (July 20, 2025).
Firstly, the Director of Marine and Air Police of the North Sulawesi Regional Police, Senior Superintendent Eko Wimpiyanto Hardjito, in his statement, expressed his deep condolences for the incident.
"The North Sulawesi Regional Police express our deepest condolences for this incident. We also appreciate the fishermen and local residents who, together with relevant parties, assisted in evacuating passengers," he said on Tuesday afternoon (7/22/2025) at the North Sulawesi Regional Police Headquarters.
Regarding the incident, his department has taken appropriate police measures, including evacuating the victims and securing the crime scene. He continued, stating that on Sunday evening (7/20/2025), a team was formed to conduct the investigation.
"A case review was then conducted, involving the Directorate of Special Criminal Investigation (Ditreskrimsus), Directorate of General Criminal Investigation (Ditreskrimum), and several other North Sulawesi Regional Police work units to determine the next steps in the investigation. Therefore, a Model A Police Report was issued for further investigation," explained Eko.
In the investigation, his party has questioned witnesses, particularly the crew, passengers, and the captain. They then requested the autopsy results for the three victims and conducted identification work with the North Sulawesi Regional Police's Forensic Laboratory to examine and process the crime scene inside the burning ship.
"After questioning witnesses, the team and investigators concluded that we needed to raise the status of one particular person and name him as suspect, identified as IB," explained Eko.
He added that the North Sulawesi Regional Police were also preparing a further investigation plan to unravel the roles of each crew member.
(ad/nf/pr/rs)
