Family of Journalist Missing in Krakatau Expresses Acceptance of Loss
Jakarta (ANTARA) - A representative of the family of Firdaus Wajidi (Daus), a journalist who lost contact while reporting from Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait waters, Banten, has stated that they have come to accept the loss of their relative.
“As fellow journalists and family members, we have naturally come to accept the departure of our family member,” said Diki, a representative for Firdoas Wajidi’s family, during the ‘Joint Prayer and Solidarity for 5 Journalists’ event held at the Press Council Building, Jakarta, on Monday.
Despite this acceptance, he admitted that he and his family still hope that Daus can be found in any condition.
He also expressed gratitude for all the assistance provided by the government and various press organisations, which have supported the search process since the disappearance was first reported.
“Once again, thank you to everyone. Please forgive us if there are any shortcomings or mistakes from our family,” said Diki.
The search and rescue (SAR) operation for the group of journalists and the crew of the speedboat KM Arupadatu I, who lost contact in the Sunda Strait waters, has been officially halted after lasting 10 days.
Andra reported that throughout the operation, the joint SAR team generally found no signs of the victims or the ship’s crew across all searched sectors.
Nevertheless, the local government and Basarnas (National Search and Rescue Agency) have ensured that search and evacuation operations can be reopened at any time should new clues or confirmed reports from the public emerge.
Andra also conveyed his highest appreciation to all members of the joint SAR team and the press members who continued to monitor the news coverage and the execution of this humanitarian operation.
For the record, eight individuals were being sought in the operation. These eight people consist of five journalists, namely M Bagus Khoirunnas (ANTARA News Agency), Ari Basuki (Merdeka.com), Yudhistiro (iNews), Firdaus (Anadolu), and Donal (freelance journalist). The other three include Warta (ship captain), Surakman (crew member), and Heriyanto (guide). They were reported missing on Monday (7/9) at 2:00 PM WIB.