KLUNGKUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – Police in Nusa Penida are investigating the discovery of partial human remains that washed ashore on the beach in front of Rumah Marta, Ceningan, Lembongan Village, on Tuesday (Feb 24).
The remains were first discovered by two local residents, I Putu Agus Oka Leo Pratama and I Putu Ngurah Andika Andimada, who were at the shoreline when they noticed a strong odor and an object stranded on the beach.
Initially believed to be an animal carcass, the object was later examined more closely using a piece of wood. The two men suspected it was human remains and immediately reported the finding to police.
Officers from Nusa Penida Police Station responded to the scene shortly after receiving the report.
Nusa Penida Police Chief Commissioner I Ketut Kesuma Jaya said on Wednesday (Feb 25) that officers secured the area with police lines, conducted a preliminary crime scene investigation, recorded witness statements, and evacuated the remains in accordance with standard procedures using a body bag.
Based on initial coordination with local residents, there have been no reports of missing family members in the surrounding area. Authorities suspect the remains may have been carried by ocean currents before washing ashore at the location.
At the time of discovery, the body was not intact, complicating early identification efforts.
At 19:40 WITA, the remains were transported from Ceningan Port to Toyapakeh Port, arriving at approximately 19:55 WITA. They were then transferred to Gema Santi Hospital in Banjar Nyuh, Ped Village, Nusa Penida, for further examination and handling.
Police stated that identification efforts are ongoing and additional coordination is being conducted. Authorities have urged members of the public to remain calm and report any information that may assist with the identification process.