2 Days Of Students Missing When Expeditioned On Sempu Island, IPB Campus Establishes A Joint Command Post For The Indonesian Navy

Sempu Island, Malang Regency, East Java (doc BKSDA)

BOGOR - Campus IPB University has done several things, including establishing a post to find Galang Edhy Swasono, a student of Forest and Ecotourism Resources Conservation (Himakova), Faculty of Forestry and Environment IPB University, reported missing since Wednesday 27 December.

Galang disappeared while participating in the 2023 Environmental Conservation Study Expedition (Surili) activity at the Sempu Island Nature Reserve (CA), Sumbermjing Wetan District, Malang Regency, East Java.

Head of the IPB University Communications Bureau, Yatri Indah Kusumastuti, said IPB had taken steps to deal with this disaster.

He said, since Wednesday afternoon a Search Team has been formed led by the Sempu Island Nature Reserve Management and students to trace the observing lines in the area.

"Because until Wednesday evening, Galang has not been found, the Head of the East Java BKSDA reported this incident to the Sendang Biru Police, Malang, as well as asked the Air/SAR Police for help to conduct a search," said Yatri, Friday, December 29.

After the incident, on Thursday morning most of the students participating in the Surili Expedition were evacuated to the Sempu Island Nature Reserve Resort Office, except for several students who joined the SAR Team to continue the search effort.

IPB has also 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.

Yatri continued, 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.

"Last 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," he explained.

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

IPB University campus also expressed deep concern and regretted this incident.

"We continue to strive, coordinate with a number of parties to gather information and together in the search process. Hopefully Galang can be found soon," he said.