Russian Ambassador Expresses Sympathy for Missing ANTARA Photographer
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Russian Ambassador to Indonesia, Sergei Tolustov, has expressed sympathy and support for the family and colleagues of ANTARA photojournalist Muhammad Bagus Khoirunas, who remains missing after losing contact while on assignment covering the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait.
The statement was delivered by Ambassador Tolchenov via an official letter on Friday, addressed to the President Director of LKBN ANTARA, Benny Siga Butarbutar.
“On behalf of the Embassy of the Russian Federation and on my own behalf, I wish to convey my deepest sympathy and our sincere support during this difficult situation,” he stated in the letter.
In the letter, Ambassador Tolchenov also requested that the expression of sympathy and support be conveyed to the family, close associates, and colleagues of Bagus at ANTARA.
The diplomat noted that journalists perform an important mission for society, often working under challenging and even dangerous conditions to provide timely and reliable information.
“The loss of contact with Mr Khoirunas while performing his professional duties is deeply felt by us,” he said.
“Our prayers and thoughts are with all those affected by this disaster,” he added.
The Russian Embassy concluded its statement by expressing sincere sympathy and solidarity regarding the situation.
ANTARA photojournalist Muhammad Bagus Khoirunas was covering the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau alongside four other photographers: Arie Basuki from merdeka.com, Donal Husni (freelance photographer), Yudhistira from iNews, and Daus from Anadolu.
The five photographers had travelled to the waters of the Sunda Strait to report on the volcanic activity of Mount Anak Krakatau when they lost contact.
In addition to the five journalists, two speedboat crew members, Warta and Surakman, and one guide, Heriyanto, are also still reported missing.
The search and rescue (SAR) operation for the group of journalists and the crew of the speedboat KM Arupadatu I was officially halted on Thursday (17/9) after lasting for 10 days.