ACEH TENGAH | INDATANEWS.COM - A joint rescue team consisting of the Kebayakan Police, the Intelligence and Security Unit (Satuan Intelkam) of Aceh Tengah Police, and the Aceh Tengah Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) recovered the body of a suspected drowning victim on Sunday evening, May 17, 2026, in the tourist area of Camping Galaksi, Pasir Village, Mendale Hamlet, Kebayakan District, Aceh Tengah Regency, Aceh.
The victim has been identified as M. Dodi Irawan (29), a resident of Jurusen Hamlet, Pegasing District,
Aceh Tengah. He was found lifeless in
Lake Lut Tawar, where he is believed to have drowned earlier.
Disturbing Sounds Spark Search Effort
Read Also: Aceh Tengah Police Arrest PPPK Employee in Sound System Theft Case Aceh Tengah Police Chief AKBP Muhamad Taufiq said the incident began unfolding around 7:00 p.m. WIB when a witness, Rahmadi—who is the victim's brother-in-law—heard unusual bubbling sounds coming from the lake near the suspected location.
"The witness became suspicious and went with family members toward the source of the sound. They discovered the victim's clothing floating on the water surface," Taufiq explained.
Family members and local residents immediately launched a search operation using a
BPBD Aceh Tengah boat. Shortly after, the victim was found floating in the water and was brought ashore.
VICTIM TRANSPORT IN AMBULANCE: Aceh Tengah Police Chief AKBP Muhamad Taufiq provides information on the evacuation process of a drowning victim at Camping Galaksi, Lake Lut Tawar. (Photo: Adli Safwan)
Read Also: Aceh Tengah Police Intensify Night Patrols to Curb Illegal Street Racing Evacuation to Hospital for Examination
The incident was then reported to the Kebayakan Police and
BPBD Aceh Tengah. Authorities quickly arrived at the scene, secured the area, and conducted witness interviews.
At approximately 7:45 p.m., the joint team successfully retrieved the body. The remains were then transported to RSUD Datu Beru Takengon for a medical examination.
Read Also: Aceh Tengah Police Intensify Night Patrols to Prevent Illegal Street Racing Following the examination, the body was handed over to the family at around 11:30 p.m. and transported to Aceh Besar Regency for burial arrangements.
ONGOING SEARCH OPERATION: BPBD Aceh Tengah personnel and local residents continue searching for a missing victim in Lake Lut Tawar. (Photo: Adli Safwan)
Second Victim Still Missing
Read Also: Aceh Tengah Police Step Up Night Patrols to Combat Illegal Street Racing Based on initial findings and witness statements, police suspect the victim drowned while staying in the
Lake Lut Tawar area, particularly around the
Camping Galaksi tourist site.
Authorities also confirmed that another individual has been missing since Friday, May 15, 2026, and is also believed to have drowned in the lake. Joint search and rescue teams from the police, BPBD, and related agencies are continuing intensive operations.
Police have secured the area, coordinated with the Public Safety Center (PSC) and BPBD, assisted evacuation efforts, and collected witness statements.
Aceh Tengah Police have urged the public to exercise extreme caution when engaging in activities around Lake Lut Tawar, especially at night.
Read Also: Landslides Cut Off Bintang–Serule Route in Aceh Tengah, Bridge Destroyed They also called for improved safety measures, including warning signs, safety equipment, and enhanced surveillance to prevent similar incidents in the future.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Adli Safwan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala