Manokwari, Jubi – A presenter with Indonesia’s public broadcaster TVRI West Papua, Yanto Idorway, is feared to have been swept away by strong river currents while visiting Memti Waterfall in Sisrang Village, Arfak Mountains Regency (Pegaf), West Papua, on Saturday.
The Manokwari Search and Rescue (SAR) Office immediately deployed a rescue team after receiving a report of the incident. The accident is believed to have occurred at around 2 p.m. local time, although authorities were only notified at approximately 8:30 p.m.
Manokwari SAR Office chief Yefri Sabaruddin said three local tourists had been visiting Memti Waterfall when the incident occurred.
According to preliminary reports, Yanto Idorway slipped while attempting to cross the river and was carried away by the current.
“His two companions tried to rescue him and conducted an initial search, but they were unable to locate the victim,” Sabaruddin said.
Following the report, the Manokwari SAR Office coordinated with the Arfak Mountains Police and mobilized personnel and equipment for the operation.
A rescue team departed for the site at 8:52 p.m. in a rescue vehicle. The overland journey to the remote location is expected to take between five and six hours.
“Upon arrival, the team will coordinate with local SAR personnel to prepare a search operation, which is scheduled to begin the following day,” he said.
The operation involves personnel from the Manokwari SAR Office and the Arfak Mountains Police.
Search teams are equipped with a rescue vehicle, a thermal drone, five communication sets, six water rescue kits, mountaineering equipment, and evacuation gear.
Weather conditions in the search area are forecast to be cloudy. Officials said the main challenges include the long travel distance to the site and nighttime access to the remote location.
Sabaruddin said the SAR team would maximize search efforts while ensuring the safety of all personnel involved in the operation. (*)
