MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The Indonesian Association of Photojournalists (PFI) Medan, together with numerous journalists in Medan, held a joint prayer on Monday, September 14, 2026, for five photojournalists who remain missing after losing contact in the waters of the Sunda Strait. The solidarity gathering was an expression of support and moral encouragement for the five photojournalists who lost contact on Monday, September 7, 2026, while covering the eruption of Anak Krakatau.
Journalists Gather to Pray for Their Missing Colleagues
The solidarity action was held at two locations. The journalists first gathered at the Jurnalis Prayer Room on Jalan Sudirman, Medan Polonia District, Medan, to pray together, recite Tahlil prayers and perform Dhikr.
After the
joint prayer, the journalists continued their solidarity action at the roundabout featuring the Sudirman Fountain, where they lit candles. The candlelight illuminated photographs and several flyers expressing hope that the five photojournalists and the crew members of the boat, which has yet to be located, would soon be found.
The event took place in an atmosphere of deep concern. The journalists in attendance expressed their worries for their professional colleagues who are facing a difficult situation while carrying out their journalistic duties.
Risky Cahyadi, chairman of
PFI Medan, said the
joint prayer was an expression of concern from journalists in Medan for the five photojournalists who have yet to be found.
"Today, we at PFI Medan, together with our fellow journalists from across Medan, held prayers, Tahlil and Dhikr for our five colleagues who are still missing after losing contact while covering the eruption of Anak Krakatau in the waters of Banten," Risky said.
Risky explained that after the
joint prayer, Tahlil and Dhikr, the journalists lit candles together. The candles served as a symbol of hope and solidarity. In his view, the action was not only a gesture of respect for their fellow journalists but also a collective effort to strengthen hope that all those missing would soon be found.
"Yes, we have just seen PFI Medan, together with our fellow journalists from across Medan, hold prayers, Tahlil and Dhikr. Afterwards, we lit candles together," Risky added.
The five photojournalists are M. Bagus Khoirunnas of the Antara news agency, Ari Basuki of Merdeka.com, Yudistiro Pranoto of iNews.id, Firman Daus of Anadolu Agency, and Donal Husni, who works as a freelance photojournalist.
They lost contact while reporting on the eruption of Anak Krakatau in the waters of Banten Province. As of Monday, September 14, 2026, seven days after the incident, the relevant response teams were continuing their search for the five photojournalists and three crew members aboard the boat.
Journalists in Medan Hope for an Intensive Search
Risky said journalists in Medan were placing great hopes in all response teams involved in the search operation. He expressed hope that the search would be conducted with the utmost effort so that the whereabouts of the five photojournalists and three crew members could be determined as quickly as possible.
According to Risky, the
joint prayer was one of the ways fellow journalists could provide support while the search operation was underway. Although journalists in Medan could not directly participate in the field search, they continued to offer support through prayers and solidarity.
"Our shared hope is that our five colleagues and the three crew members of the boat will be found as soon as possible and that they are in a healthy and safe condition," he said.
He emphasized that the search operation remained the responsibility of the relevant authorities on the ground. Nevertheless, Risky hoped that all forces involved would make the best possible use of their capabilities and resources to locate everyone who remains missing.
For the journalism community, the disappearance of the five photojournalists is particularly significant because they were carrying out their professional duties in an area exposed to natural hazards and volcanic activity. Support from fellow journalists is one way of showing that journalists working in the field are not alone.
Candlelight Becomes a Symbol of Hope
The candle-lighting ceremony at the Sudirman Fountain was one of the most moving parts of the solidarity event. The journalists placed photographs and flyers carrying messages of hope around the candles.
The candlelight became a symbol of hope that the search would soon produce a positive result. The journalists also expressed hope that the five photojournalists and three crew members could return safely.
The solidarity action also demonstrated the strong bond among fellow journalists. Journalists in Medan expressed their support for the families, colleagues and everyone involved who continue to wait for news about the whereabouts of those missing.
Risky reiterated his hope that search teams would continue their efforts and not give up until everyone missing had been found. He also hoped that the results of the search operation would bring good news to the families and colleagues of the photojournalists.
"Our hope is that they will be found, regardless of the circumstances. Of course, we hope that our colleagues are safe and well," he concluded.
The
joint prayer and candle-lighting ceremony held by
PFI Medan and journalists from across Medan served as a message of solidarity. It demonstrated that the wider press community continues to hope for the safety of the five photojournalists and three crew members who are still being sought. Journalists hope the search operation will be successful and that all those missing will soon be found.
(IDNC)REPORTER: H. Muhammad Said Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala