PFI Urges Reopening of Search Operation for Five Missing Journalists

The Indonesian Press Photographers Association (PFI) has requested that Basarnas reopen the search and rescue (SAR) operations for five journalists and crew members who have been out of contact since 7 September while covering activities at Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait.

This urgent request follows the discovery of the body of one of the three crew members, Surakman (60), on Enggano Island, Bengkulu, on 12 September. DNA testing has confirmed that the deceased is indeed a crew member who was part of the group.

“Based on this new evidence, PFI officially requests and urges Basarnas, along with the joint TNI/Polri SAR team, to immediately reopen the Joint SAR Operation,” stated the General Chairperson of PFI Pusat, Dwi Pambudo, in a written statement on Wednesday (23/9).

Dwi stated that PFI is requesting intensive sweeping to be conducted again within the radius where the body was found, as well as along the maritime routes from the Sunda Strait towards Enggano.

PFI reminded the authorities of the commitment made during the closure of the operation last week to reopen the SAR mission if new clues or signs regarding the victims’ whereabouts were discovered.

“Our hope, and that of the families, has not faded. We request that the state provides maximum presence to track the whereabouts of our five journalist colleagues and the two other ship crew members who are still missing. Time is precious, and every second is vital for their safety,” said Dwi.

The body of the crew member from KM Arupadatu, which was carrying the five journalists in the Sunda Strait, Surakman (60), was found on Enggano Island, Bengkulu.

Through coordinated examinations by the Banten Regional Police and Bengkulu Regional Police, using antemortem and postmortem data from the families of the eight people on board, it was determined that the victim’s DNA matched Surakman.

“On Saturday, the fifth day of the search, we received information from Bengkulu that an unidentified body (Mr X) was found on Enggano Island, North Bengkulu,” said the Chief of Banten Regional Police, Inspector General Hengki, during a press conference at the Banten Regional Police Headquarters, Serang, on Wednesday (23/9).