DNA matching results for missing journalists still unconfirmed

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The results of DNA matching between the families of the journalists and crew of the Arupadhatu 1 speedboat, who went missing in the Sunda Strait, and an unidentified body found on Enggano Island, Bengkulu, remain unconfirmed.

This statement was confirmed by the Head of the Banten SAR Office, Al Amrad, during a press conference regarding the results of the ninth day of search operations at the Joint SAR Main Post in Pantai Carita, Pandeglang, Banten, on Wednesday night.

Although he did not explain in detail who is involved or the specific progress of the DNA matching, Amrad stated that everything required to support the process has been submitted by the joint SAR team in Banten to the Diagnostic Visual Identification (DVI) Team of the Bengkulu Regional Police.

“We have sent everything, and so far we are still waiting,” said Al Amrad, who also serves as the SAR Mission Coordinator (SMC) for this operation.

The alignment of DNA data (Antemortem) from the victims’ families with the body samples (Postmortem) is considered the key factor in confirming whether the deceased is one of the eight passengers from the vessel.

The eight individuals being searched for include five journalists—M Bagus Khoirunnas (ANTARA News Agency), Ari Basuki (Merdeka.com), Yudhistiro (iNews), Firdaus (Anadolu), and Donal (freelance journalist)—along with three crew members: Warta (ship captain), Surakman (crew member), and Heriyanto (guide).

As for the unidentified male body, it was specifically reported to have been found on the coast of Sawang Bengkok, Khayapu Village, Enggano Island, North Bengkulu Regency, on Saturday (12/9) by the Bengkulu SAR Office and local residents.

The body was transported by aircraft from Enggano to the Bhayangkara Hospital of the Bengkulu Regional Police on Monday (14/9) to undergo autopsy and in-depth identification by the DVI Team of the Bengkulu Regional Police and the National Police Medical and Health Centre.