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Extra personnel deployed to investigate N. Maluku boat fire that killed candidate
North Maluku Police have pledged a thorough investigation to find out the cause of boat fire that killed gubernatorial candidate Benny Laos.
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Police officers and local residents extinguish fire that engulfed a speedboat carrying North Maluku gubernatorial candidate Benny Laos at Bobong Port in Taliabu Island regency, North Maluku on Oct. 12, 2024. (Antara/Handout/Taliabu Police)
T
he North Maluku Police are deploying additional personnel to help inthe investigation into the speedboat fire that killed gubernatorial candidate Benny Laos on Saturday.
The additional team consists of detectives and identification personnel as a backup team to assist Taliabu Islands Police detectives in investigating the case, said North Maluku Police general crimes director Sr. Comr. Asri Effendy.
Other than from the North Maluku Police, personnel from the National Police Forensic Laboratory Center and from the North Sulawesi Police forensic laboratory will also assist in finding out whether the fire was an accident, a deliberate act or a result of negligence.
"We from the North Maluku Police are trying to handle this case quickly, professionally and as optimally as possible so that later we will determine the real facts, supported by evidence, of course," Asri said in Ternate on Sunday, as quoted by kompas.com.
Asri said several steps had been taken, including securing the scene, salvaging the wreckage and interviewing witnesses.
"We have interviewed nine witnesses, whose statements are recorded in the BAI [interview minutes]. They have been examined and recorded in the examination minutes," he said.
Police have also questioned the 10 survivors, including those with minor injuries.
Asri urged the public to remain patient as the investigation continued and called for community support to maintain a peaceful and conducive atmosphere.
Separately, Home Minister Tito Karnavian confirmed that the North Maluku gubernatorial election would proceed as scheduled despite the tragic death. According to election rules, the supporting party can appoint a replacement candidate within seven days if the candidate is permanently incapacitated, such as through death.
Tito also urged the people of North Maluku not to be divided by the tragedy.
"I certainly hope that this incident will not cause divisions in society, let alone cause anyone to commit violent acts. This is God's will, the show must go on," Tito said in Jakarta on Sunday, as quoted by kompas.com.
Five other people were reportedly killed in the boat fire. The other fatalities have been identified as Ester Tantri, Mudin A Wahid, Nasrun, Mahsudin Ode Muisi and Handani Buamona Bot.
