Orphaned by KM Salsa Tragedy, Diska's Education to be Funded by State

A seven-year-old girl named Diska has lost both her parents after the KM Nurul Salsa sank en route to Benteng Port in the Selayar Islands Regency, South Sulawesi. Diska is the daughter of Hasbi (41) and Malida (31) from Ma’minasata Village, Pasimasunggu District, Selayar Regency. Both parents became victims in the sinking incident on Wednesday (15/7) and are still declared missing.

“Diska was previously with her father and mother. But that is fate,” said Diska’s aunt, Bau Asseng (23), who is also a survivor of the KM Nurul Salsa, on Wednesday (22/7).

Bau Asseng recounted that when the ship sank, she initially survived alongside Diska’s parents. They clung to a styrofoam float together with six other passengers while awaiting rescue. “Because the sea conditions were battered by high waves, we struggled to hold on. Diska’s father and mother became separated. Her mother managed to survive for three nights before eventually passing away on the styrofoam, unable to endure any longer due to dehydration and exhaustion,” she explained.

Diska’s mother’s body was ultimately left at sea, as the survivors were no longer able to carry her while continuing to stay afloat. As for Diska’s father, Bau Asseng said he had asked her to look after Diska before they were separated when the KM Nurul Salsa sank. “Please take care of Diska,” he said.

The five survivors who held on—Bau Asseng (23), Diska Yanti (7), Sri Ardita (17), Andi Samad (62), and Sitti Amang (55)—were found and evacuated by a passing fishing boat from the Flores Sea on Saturday (19/7).

Meanwhile, the Selayar Islands Regency Government will provide compensation to the victims of the KM Nurul Salsa, specifically for Diska, whose education costs will be guaranteed through to higher education. “As for the young child, we know she has lost her parents and, God willing, she will become the responsibility of the local government,” said Selayar Islands Regent Natsir Ali. Natsir stated that he will continue to deploy all capabilities and strengthen coordination with all parties until all victims are found. “We ask for the prayers of the entire community so that the search process is made easy and the victims who have not yet been found can be rescued immediately,” he said.