IPB Reveals The Chronology Of Missing Students During Expeditions On Sempu Island, East Java

BOGOR - A student from the Association of Students for Conservation of Forest and Ecotourism Resources (Himakova), Faculty of Forestry and Environment of IPB University, Galang Edhy Swasono, was reported missing while attending the 2023 Environmental Conservation Study Expedition (Surili) activity at the Sempu Island Nature Reserve (CA), Sumbermjing Wetan District, Malang Regency, East Java, Wednesday, December 27.

Head of the IPB University Communications Bureau, Yatri Indah Kusumastuti, confirmed this. He expressed deep concern and regretted this incident.

We convey that one of our students is reported missing. We are very concerned about this unwanted incident. Currently, we are continuing to strive, coordinating with a number of parties to gather information and together in the search process. Hopefully Galang can be found soon," Yatri said in his statement, Friday, December 29.

Yatri also explained the chronology of Galang's disappearance, according to the schedule, the expedition of the Environmental Conservation Study (Surili) will take place on December 18, 2023- January 2, 2024.

The expedition team, which was attended by 16 students and 12 female students, began to enter the Sempu Island Nature Reserve area on December 21, 2023 with careful preparation and obtained adequate location understanding before carrying out activities.

This team was also accompanied by two officers from the East Java Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA).

"Since starting activities on December 21, 2023, everything has been running normally and smoothly with their respective activities according to the observer group until December 26, 2023," said Yatri.

On Wednesday, December 27, 2023, information was obtained that one of the students named Galang Edhy Swasono from Banjarnegara at around 09.00 WIB continued to observe at one point about 400 meters from the Telogo Lele basecamp with observation equipment but did not carry a cellphone (HP).

It's just that, continued Yatri, at the time of lunch, he should return to the basecamp in accordance with the mutual agreement, he did not return.

"Then at 15.00 WIB the internal team and other students conducted a search to the predetermined point, but the person concerned was not found," he explained.

"IPB's steps," said Yatri explaining that IPB had taken steps to deal with this disaster, including

"A Search Team has been formed led by the Sempu Island Nature Reserve Manager and students to trace the observation pathways in the area," he said.

Second, because until Wednesday evening, Galang had not been found, the Head of the East Java BKSDA reported this incident to the Sendang Biru Police, Malang, as well as asked for help from the Water Police/SAR to conduct a search.

On Thursday, December 28, most of Surili's Expeditionary students were evacuated to the Sempu Island Nature Reserve Resort Office, except for several students who joined the SAR Team to continue their search efforts.

"IPB has contacted the victim's family to convey information regarding this matter and convey the steps that have been and will be taken by IPB to find Galang," he explained.

Furthermore, IPB continues to coordinate with the East Java BKSDA and the National SAR Agency (Basarnas). Coordination continues to be pursued with related parties in the search process.

On Thursday it was agreed to determine the SAR Post at the Naval Command Headquarters, Sendang Biru and form two teams consisting of (Navy, Water and Air Police/Polairud, Perhutani, East Java BKSDA, South Coast PSR Rescue volunteers, East Java Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Service) with 10 teams each.

The Galang search focus is carried out around the basecamp point (Telogo Lele) towards white sand. This is considered based on initial information from fellow students, added Yatri.