TVRI Papua Barat Presenter Feared Swept Away at Memti Waterfall, SAR Team Deployed

The Manokwari Search and Rescue (SAR) team has launched a search operation for Yanto Idorway, a TVRI West Papua presenter, who is suspected to have been swept away after being caught in a river current at Memti Waterfall in Sisrang Village, Pegunungan Arfak Regency, West Papua.

The victim was reported missing whilst visiting the tourist site with two companions on Saturday, 18 July. As of that evening, the victim had not yet been found, prompting the Manokwari SAR Office to deploy a team for the search operation.

Head of the Manokwari SAR Office, Yefri Sabaruddin, said the report of the incident was received from the Head of the Intelligence Unit of the Pegunungan Arfak Police at around 20.30 local time (WIT).

“The preliminary assumption is that the incident occurred at around 14.00 WIT. We will optimise the search for the victim,” Yefri said in a statement on Saturday.

Slipped Whilst Crossing the River

Based on information received by the SAR team, Yanto Idorway had come to the Memti Waterfall area with two companions for recreation.

As he was attempting to cross the river in the area, the victim is believed to have slipped and lost his balance before being swept away by the river current.

The victim’s two companions attempted to rescue him independently. However, the strong current meant the victim could not be saved and was subsequently declared missing.

The incident was then reported to the police and forwarded to the Manokwari SAR Office for a search operation to be carried out.

SAR Team Departed in the Evening

Upon receiving the report, the Manokwari SAR team immediately set off for the scene of the incident at 20.52 WIT.

The team was dispatched using one rescue vehicle, with the overland journey to the location estimated to take five to six hours.

Upon arrival in Pegunungan Arfak Regency, SAR personnel are scheduled to first coordinate with the Pegunungan Arfak Police before beginning the search.

“Our team will coordinate with local SAR elements to draw up a search operation plan scheduled to begin on Sunday (19 July),” said Yefri.

Joint Personnel Involved

The search operation for the TVRI West Papua presenter will involve joint personnel from the Manokwari SAR Office and the Pegunungan Arfak Police.

To support the search effort, the team is bringing various equipment, including: one thermal drone, five sets of communications equipment, water rescue equipment, and other apparatus supporting the search operation.