Malang Journalists Hold Prayer Vigil for Five Missing Reporters

Malang, East Java (ANTARA) - Dozens of media professionals in Malang City gathered to recite prayers at Alun-Alun Merdeka for journalists and ship crew members who remain missing after losing contact in the Sunda Strait while covering the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau (GAK).

The Chairperson of the Indonesian Television Journalists Association (IJTI) for the Malang Raya region, Hilda Daningtyas, stated following the prayer event on Friday night that the agenda was organised as an expression of hope for the safety of the reporters and the ship crew.

“There has been no news as of today; I can feel how heartbroken the families are,” said Hilda.

The five journalists whose whereabouts remain unknown are Arie Basresski from Merdeka, M Bagus Khoirunnas from Perum LKBN ANTARA, Yudistiro Pranoto from INEWS, Firdaus Wajidi from Andolu Agency, and Donal Husni, a freelance journalist.

Additionally, three crew members are missing: Warta, the ship’s captain; a crew member named Surakman; and a guide named Heriyanto.

Alongside other journalists in Malang, she expressed hope that the five reporters and three crew members would be found as soon as possible.

“May the prayers from Malang be answered,” she said.

During the event, Wahyu expressed his hope that all journalists and the crew members would be located promptly.

“We are joining in prayer, hoping they are found soon in good condition,” said Wahyu.

During the prayer session, several journalists were seen carrying posters containing messages of support and hopes for the victims’ safety, including slogans such as “Come Home Soon, Friend,” with some posters listing the names of each journalist and crew member reported missing.

The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has deployed a total of 13 vessels on the fourth day of the search operation, including KRI Kerambot 627, KN SAR Tetuka, KP Hayabusa, KN SAR Basudewa, KRI Leuser 924, KAL Anyer, KP Sanjaya, and RIB 02 Banten.