Governor Andra calls on Indonesian people to pray for ongoing search operations

Tangerang (ANTARA) - Banten Governor Andra Soni has called upon the entire Indonesian population to pray for the smooth progress of the search for five journalists and three speedboat crew members who have been out of contact since Monday (7/9).

Governor Andra also expressed his deep condolences to the families of the victims. He invited all Indonesians to join in prayers for the success of the search process.

“I am grateful to all parties who continue to carry out rescue efforts. May these endeavours be eased and may we soon find our brothers and sisters safe,” said Governor Andras in a statement in Pandeglang on Saturday.

On Friday (11/9), he personally went to monitor the search process for the five journalists and three speedboat crew members using the KN SAR 247 Tetuka.

Departing from Ciwandan Port, Cilegon City, he directly observed the progress of the operation. He also monitored radio communications regarding the coordination between the vessels involved in the rescue mission.

“This is a form of the state’s effort through the commitment of President Prabowo Subianto to ensure all available resources are maximised, and I have seen this directly in the field. The search procedures and mapping (SAR Maps) are left entirely to Basarnas (National Search and Rescue Agency),” he explained.

Meanwhile, on the fifth day of the search operation, the KAP Sanjaya departed at approximately 07:30 WIB. The vessel will undertake a total round trip of 80 miles at a speed of 10 knots, taking approximately eight hours.

On this fifth day, the joint SAR team will continue the search for the five journalists and three crew members across an area of 4,512 nautical miles. The number of vessels involved has increased from 13 to 14, which are then divided into six sectors.

The search will be focused primarily on the areas around Lampung, Bengkulu, and Ujung Kulon.