SAR Team Finds Bodies Of Missing TNI Soldiers Dragged By Flash Floods

The body of Pelda Yudi Gunardi, a TNI Subdenpom XX/E Padang Panjang soldier who died while carrying out state duties due to being dragged by flash floods that occurred in Padang Panjang City on Thursday (11/27/2025) (ANTARA)

The joint SAR team from various agencies managed to find Pelda Yudi Gunardi, a soldier of the XX/E Padang Panjang Subdenpom who died while carrying out state duties due to being dragged by flash floods that occurred in Padang Panjang City on Thursday, December 27.

"Thank you to all personnel and volunteers who worked hard until the deceased was found," said Head of the XX/Mrku Regional Military Command Information Center (Kapendam) Imam Bonjol Lt. Col. Kav Taufiq, quoted by Antara, Tuesday, December 2.

Pelda Yudi Gunardi and two of his colleagues who were also members of the TNI were swept away by flash floods, precisely at the Kembar Bridge on the border of Padang Panjang City and Tanah Datar Regency.

The three shared the task of regulating traffic during landslides in the Anai Valley area which caused the road to be closed with materials. In addition, the TNI personnel also helped evacuate the community when the loud sound started from the river direction. Unfortunately, when trying to help evacuate the community, the three soldiers were actually carried away by the heavy flash floods.

He said the discovery of the body was due to hard work and intensive search for several days. The body of Pelda Yudi Gunardi was found on Monday (1/12) at around 17.00 WIB in the Mega Mendung area, Jorong (dusun) Air Fountain, Nagari (village) Singgalang, Koto District, Tanah Datar Regency.

After being found, the officers immediately carried out the identification process and stated that the victim found was Pelda Yudi Gunardi, a member of the XX/E Pomdam XX/Mrku Imam Bonjol Subdenpom.

After being bathed and shrouded, he was then taken to RST dr. Rekso Diwiryo to be buried. It is planned that the funeral will be held with a military ceremony as a form of final respect. The body was buried in sawo III Hamlet, Sungai Suka Village, Batu Bara Regency, North Sumatra.

"Pangdam XX/Mrku Imam Bonjol extends his deepest condolences for the death of Pelda Yudi Gunardi in carrying out humanitarian duties," he said.

According to him, Pelda Yudi and his two colleagues are true soldiers who have shown dedication, enthusiasm, courage and dedication to the nation and state. The three of them will always be remembered and become inspirations for all soldiers.

"Hopefully the deceased will have the best place in the side of God Almighty, and the family left behind will be given fortitude and strength to face this disaster," he hoped.