Antara News·Indonesia·Friday, September 18, 2026 at 10:19 AM

Russian envoy expresses sympathy for missing ANTARA photojournalist

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Kuntum KR, Rahmad Nasution

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Russia’s Ambassador to Indonesia Sergei Tolchenov has expressed sympathy and support for the family and colleagues of ANTARA photojournalist Muhammad Bagus Khoirunas, who remains missing in the Sunda Strait.

Tolchenov conveyed the message in an official letter addressed to ANTARA News Agency President Director Benny Siga Butarbutar on Friday.

In the letter, Tolchenov said the Russian Embassy and he personally extended their deepest sympathy and sincere support to those affected by the difficult situation.

He asked that the message of sympathy and support be conveyed to Khoirunas’ family, loved ones, and colleagues at ANTARA.

Tolchenov said journalists perform an important public service, often working in challenging or dangerous conditions to provide timely and reliable information.

He said the loss of contact with Khoirunas while he was carrying out his professional duties was deeply concerning.

Tolchenov also conveyed his prayers and concern for everyone affected by the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau.

He said the Russian Embassy extended its sincere sympathy and solidarity to those affected by the incident.

ANTARA photojournalist Muhammad Bagus Khoirunas was covering the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption with four other photojournalists: Arie Basuki of merdeka.com, freelance photographer Donal Husni, Yudhistira of iNews, and Daus of Anadolu Agency.

The five photojournalists traveled to the Sunda Strait to cover Mount Anak Krakatau’s eruptive activity but subsequently lost contact.

Three people accompanying them on the speedboat — Warta, Surakman, and guide Heriyanto — also remain missing.

The search-and-rescue operation for the journalists and crew of the Arupadatu I speedboat was officially halted on Thursday after 10 days of operations.

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