Bernama Stands In Solidarity With Journalists Missing During Anak Krakatau Coverage

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 (NNN) -- The Malaysian National News Agency (NNN) stands in solidarity with the five journalists who remain missing while on assignment covering the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait, Indonesia.

Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin said the news agency is deeply concerned about the incident involving the journalists, who lost contact while travelling by speedboat to cover developments at the volcano.

“At this difficult time, Bernama stands with our colleagues in Indonesia and Anadolu Ajansi, and shares the hope that the missing journalists and other passengers will be safely reunited with their families and colleagues.

“As fellow media colleagues, Bernama shares the concerns of their colleagues, families, and news organisations, and hopes everyone missing will be found safe,” she said on Friday.

The five journalists are Muhammad Bagus Khoirunnas of Indonesia's national news agency Antara, Firdaus Wajidi of Turkiye's Anadolu Ajansi, Arie Basuki of news portal Merdeka, Yudistiro Pranoto of iNews and freelance journalist Donal Husni.

The journalists have been out of contact since Monday while covering the eruption of Anak Krakatau around Sebesi Island in Lampung. They were accompanied by three boat crew members.

Nur-ul Afida said journalists undertake their duties in the public interest, often working in challenging and hazardous circumstances to bring important developments to the public.

Meanwhile, she said Bernama also extends its support to the ongoing search and rescue efforts by the Indonesian authorities and hopes the operation will be conducted swiftly and safely.

“Our thoughts are with the journalists, their families, colleagues and all those involved in the search and rescue operation,” she added.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has ordered a search and rescue operation for the eight missing individuals, with 11 vessels, including three warships, deployed in an urgent race to locate them.

--NNN

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