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Labuan Bajo port authority probes celebrity entourage's alleged sailing ban violation
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Culture & Society

Labuan Bajo port authority probes celebrity entourage's alleged sailing ban violation

From CNN Indonesia · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Under investigation
  • The Labuan Bajo Port Authority (KSOP) is investigating ships that allegedly transported a celebrity's entourage to Padar Island and Komodo Port during a temporary sailing ban.
  • KSOP stated that ships violating the ban, regardless of passenger status, will face strict sanctions.
  • The sailing ban was imposed due to adverse weather conditions, with two identified ships potentially violating the closure.

Authorities in Labuan Bajo are taking a firm stance against alleged violations of a temporary sailing ban, with the Port Authority and Harbor Office (KSOP) investigating ships that reportedly carried celebrity Jessica Mila's entourage. The ships are accused of sailing to Padar Island and Komodo Port while routes were officially closed.

Sailing bans have been set for the safety of lives. Anyone who violates, whether a regular tourist ship or a ship carrying public figures or celebrities, there are no exceptions. This violation is serious, and we will impose sanctions according to applicable regulations.

— Stefanus RisdiyantoThe Head of KSOP Class III Labuan Bajo stated the authority's strict stance on enforcing the sailing ban.

Stefanus Risdiyanto, Head of KSOP Class III Labuan Bajo, declared that strict action would be taken against any vessel disregarding the prohibition. "Sailing bans have been set for the safety of lives. Anyone who violates, whether a regular tourist ship or a ship carrying public figures or celebrities, there are no exceptions. This violation is serious, and we will impose sanctions according to applicable regulations," Risdiyanto told CNNIndonesia.com.

The sailing ban was in effect from August 7 to August 10, based on a maritime forecast predicting strong winds and high waves. A notice to mariners explicitly stated that sailing to Padar Island and Komodo Port was temporarily closed, with permits only issued for Rinca Island, which was considered safer.

Ships entering the Padar Island area without a sailing permit from us will definitely be sanctioned. Currently, there is still one ship whose identity we are investigating. If other ships are found to have violated it along with the evidence, we will take firm action without looking at anyone.

— Stefanus RisdiyantoRisdiyanto detailed the ongoing investigation into vessels that may have breached the sailing restrictions.

Despite the official closure, photos circulated on social media showing Mila's group at Padar Island. Risdiyanto identified two vessels, the Yacht Grand Maloekoe and Kapal Neptune, as potentially involved. He emphasized that ships entering the Padar Island area without proper clearance would be sanctioned, and the investigation into other potential violators was ongoing. The Maloekoe vessel, reportedly used by Mila's group, allegedly did not have a permit for Padar or Komodo, only for Rinca.

The Maloekoe ship, used by the artist, did not get a sailing permit to Komodo and Padar, but only to Rinca because Rinca is still considered safe.

— Stefanus RisdiyantoRisdiyanto clarified the specific permit status of the vessel reportedly used by Jessica Mila's group.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNN Indonesia in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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