Jakarta (ANTARA) - National news agency ANTARA has expressed deep concern and sorrow over its photojournalist Muhammad Bagus Khoirunnas, who remains missing after a reporting mission in the Sunda Strait to cover the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau.
Bagus lost contact on September 7 along with four other photojournalists: Arie Basuki of merdeka.com, freelance photographer Donal Husni, Yudistiro Pranoto of iNews, and Firdaus Wajidi of Anadolu Agency.
Two speedboat crew members, Warta and Surakman, and guide Heriyanto were also aboard the Arupadatu I speedboat when contact was lost.
"We express our deep concern and sorrow because, to date, Bagus Khoirunnas has not been found," ANTARA News Director Virgandhi Prayudantoro said in Jakarta on Thursday (September 17).
"We continue to coordinate with all teams assisting in the search process, and we stand with Bagus' family as they face this difficult situation," he added.
Virgandhi said ANTARA had established a coordination post in Carita, Banten, and maintained continuous communication with search authorities and Bagus' family.
He expressed gratitude to the Indonesian president, the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL), the National Police (Polri), government ministries, media colleagues, and local responders for their tireless efforts.
"We deeply appreciate all parties who have provided support from the very beginning and worked tirelessly throughout the search process," Virgandhi said.
Virgandhi also praised Bagus' dedication and journalistic legacy, adding that ANTARA fully respects any decisions the missing journalist's family may make moving forward.
The statement came as the official 10-day joint SAR operation was concluded, with Banten Governor Andra Soni announcing the end of the operation at the Joint SAR Command Post at Marina Carita Pier, Pandeglang Regency, on Thursday evening.
Despite the termination of active search operations, the Banten Provincial Government and Basarnas affirmed that the operation can be reopened at any time if credible new leads emerge.
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