20 Bodies From KM Virgo 8 Identified, 22 Bags Still Awaiting DNA

The Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) team of the South Kalimantan Regional Police announced that 20 bodies from the sinking of KM Virgo Transport 8 have been successfully identified. They are part of the 42 body bags evacuated from the scene. Meanwhile, 22 other body bags are still undergoing further identification because the remains are difficult to recognize visually.

The identification process is being carried out through DNA sample examination to confirm the victims' identities. The head of the Disaster Victim Identification division at the National Police's Center for Medicine and Health (Pusdokkes Polri), Brig. Gen. dr. Sumy Hastry Purwanti, said her team had taken DNA samples from all unidentified bodies. "We are doing our utmost. Identification is carried out using primary, secondary, and family ante mortem data," she said at Bhayangkara Hospital in Banjarmasin, Friday (25/9).

Dozens of unidentified body bags will be sent to the National Police Headquarters DVI team for further DNA examination. The step was taken because of limited facilities and expertise in the region, so the handling must be done at the central laboratory. The DVI team is still waiting for complete ante mortem data from the victims' families, which will be used to match DNA profiles with the bodies found.

"We took DNA samples from all 22 unidentified bodies. We identify using primary, secondary, and family ante mortem data," said Brig. Gen. dr. Sumy Hastry Purwanti.

According to Sumy, the identification process will be carried out as soon as the ante mortem data from families is declared complete. The data includes physical characteristics, medical records, and other information that can speed up matching. Without complete data, the identification process could take longer and make it harder for families to get certainty.

The sinking of KM Virgo Transport 8 has drawn attention because of the large number of victims. The maritime accident is a fresh reminder of the importance of shipping safety standards, especially for passenger vessels operating in Indonesian waters. Relevant authorities are expected to evaluate safety procedures and strengthen oversight of the ship fleet.

For the Indonesian public, especially the victims' families, this identification process is a crucial stage for obtaining legal certainty and the victims' rights. The speed and accuracy of identification also affect insurance claims and compensation. The government, through the police, continues to strive to provide the best service despite technical and administrative challenges.

Going forward, the public will await the final results of the identification of all victims. The big question: will Indonesia's shipping safety system be comprehensively evaluated to prevent a similar tragedy from recurring?