Authorities Investigate Possible Ferry Accident Connection as Family Questions Official Reports

A woman’s body found floating in the waters of Tanjung Sengkuang, Batuampar, Batam, has raised concerns and speculation. Authorities have yet to confirm her identity, but she is suspected to be Mutiara, a missing resident of Sukabumi, West Java. Reports suggest she was last seen in Johor, Malaysia, before allegedly being involved in a ferry accident. However, inconsistencies in official records have left the family questioning the circumstances of her death.

Authorities are proceeding cautiously as they investigate the body discovered on March 17, 2025. The victim, found near Tanjung Sengkuang, was wearing only undergarments and black leggings, along with a gold bracelet. AKBP Syaiful Badawi from the Riau Islands Water Police stated that an autopsy is underway to determine the cause of death. “We cannot confirm the victim’s identity until forensic results are available,” he said.

Search and Rescue (Basarnas) in Tanjungpinang has yet to receive an official missing person report connected to this case. “The initial report we received was a body recovery, not a missing person case. We are still unsure of the exact origin of the victim,” said Eryk Subiyantoro, Head of Basarnas Operations. He added that ocean currents could have carried the body from another location, making it difficult to determine where she entered the water.

Conflicting accounts have surfaced, with a close friend of the victim, identified as A, claiming that Mutiara was involved in a ferry accident in Johor. “Her family was told she died in a ferry accident, but they don’t believe it. There was no official report of such an incident,” A stated. Mutiara’s family has voiced their suspicions, citing the lack of documented ferry accidents in the area.

Police have yet to determine if foul play was involved. “We are awaiting the forensic examination before making any conclusions. The investigation remains open to all possibilities,” said Syaiful Badawi. The victim’s remains are currently at RS Bhayangkara for further analysis.

The case has drawn attention to maritime safety concerns between Malaysia and Indonesia. Batam, a crucial transit hub between the two nations, sees heavy ferry traffic daily. Questions surrounding Mutiara’s disappearance highlight the need for stricter monitoring and better documentation of incidents at sea, particularly for Indonesian workers and travelers commuting between Johor and Batam.

More like this: Mystery in Tanjung Sengkuang: Woman’s Body Found Floating in Batam Waters

Sources: Batam Pos (2025), Batam News (2025)

Keywords: Batam, Batuampar, Missing Person, Johor, Malaysia, Ferry Accident, Police Investigation