INDUSTRY.co.id - President Prabowo Subianto instructed the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) to immediately conduct a search for a group of journalists reported missing while covering the eruption of Anak Krakatau. The group consists of five journalists and three crew members.
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said in a written statement on Thursday (9/10) that the President had ordered the search after receiving the report that the group had lost contact on Monday evening. President Prabowo instructed the Chief of Naval Staff (KSAL) to immediately deploy forces to conduct the search.
“Since the group of five journalists and three crew members was reported to have lost contact on Monday evening, President Prabowo immediately instructed the KSAL to conduct a search. That same day, the TNI AL deployed its vessels,” the Cabinet Secretary explained.
Following the President’s instructions, a search and rescue operation was immediately launched involving several joint elements. According to a report from the KSAL, a total of 11 vessels were deployed to conduct a search of the area and locate the group.
“According to the KSAL’s report, a total of 11 joint vessels immediately conducted the search,” the Cabinet Secretary continued.
The 11 vessels involved were KRI Leuser-924, KRI Kerambit-627, KRI Lepu-861, KAL Anyer 1-3-64, KAL Pohawang I-3-30, RBB Peucang of Banten Naval Base, RHIB SAR 02 Banten, RHIB SAR 02 Lampung, KN SAR Tetuka-247, KN SAR Basudewa-224, and KP Sanjaya-7017.
The deployment of the vessels demonstrates that the search operation involves multiple agencies and resources working together. The operation continues to focus on locating all members of the group, who remain unaccounted for.
Amid the ongoing search operation, the Cabinet Secretary also expressed his hope and prayers that the five journalists and three crew members will be found safe as soon as possible.
“Our prayers are for the safety of the entire group. We hope they will be found safe soon,” the Cabinet Secretary expressed.
