Missing In The Forest From Last Thursday, The Palangka Raya Basarnas Extends The Search For ULM Students

Basarnas Palangka Raya has extended the search time for Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) students. (ANTARA/HO-Basarnas Palangka Raya)

PALANGKA RAYA - The search time for Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) students, who since Thursday, May 2, has been declared missing in the forest of Sei Ahas Village, Mantangai District, Kapuas Regency, Central Kalimantan, has now been extended by the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas).

"Based on the results of the coordination of our team in the field with the Joint SAR Team, the company and the families of the victims, we will extend the search until the tenth day," said Head of the Palangka Raya Basarnas Office AA Alit Supartana in Palangka Raya, reported by ANTARA, Thursday, May 9.

This means that Basarnas together with other related elements will continue to search for the victim Aditya, who is a student of ULM Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan for the next three days.

"We and the joint team will try our best to find the whereabouts of the victims," said Alit.

He revealed previously that Aditya and his theme were carrying out geotagging activities in Sei Ahas Village. Furthermore, it was declared missing on Thursday (02/5) at 16:00 WIB.

The Palangka Raya Basarnas Rescue Team evaluated and coordinated with SAR elements, companies, the community and their families regarding the implementation of SAR Operations until the seventh day.

"However, until today (9/5) which is the seventh day of the search, the Joint SAR Team is still trying to search according to the operation plan, but has not found any signs of the victim's whereabouts," he said.

Basarnas Field Coordinator in SAR Ops this time, Antonius said the search had been carried out optimally, but several obstacles were faced by the team in the field.

"Among them are large search areas and limited access and minimal visibility due to the heavy plant in the area," he said.

In fact, he continued, in the search effort, the Joint SAR Team also conducted a sweep of the tributaries around the scene.

SAR elements involved in the search included the Palangka Raya Basarnas Rescue Team, Mantangai Police, Babinsa Mantagai, Kapuas Regency BPBD, PT Asmin Rescue Team, PT TOP Rescue Team, Joint Rescue Team and local communities.