TVRI Presenter's Body Found in West Papua After 9-Day Search

The body of TVRI presenter Yanto Idorway was found and evacuated from the Memti River in Arfak Mountains Regency, West Papua, on Monday (27/7), after a nine-day search by a joint SAR team comprising TNI, Polri, Basarnas, and local communities. Idorway had fallen into the river and was swept away on July 18. West Papua Police Public Relations Head Kombes Trihadi Kuncahyo in Manokwari stated that the victim's body was discovered around 11:05 WIT, approximately 10 meters from the initial reported fall location. The police conveyed their deepest condolences for the passing of Yanto Idorway. The joint team continued the search for seven days after the initial SAR operation was closed on Friday (24/7), with the victim eventually found by local residents three days later. During the seven-day search, the team faced numerous challenges, including rapidly changing weather, thick fog on the path to the location, cold temperatures, strong river currents, and large, slippery river rocks. Trihadi expressed gratitude to the personnel from TNI, Polri, Basarnas, the local government, village heads, adat leaders, and volunteers for their dedication and synergy during the search operation. The West Papua Police urged the public to prioritize safety when engaging in activities around rivers, waterfalls, beaches, or other potentially hazardous areas, especially during unfavorable weather conditions or when water levels rise. Idorway had reportedly been swept away by the river current at the Memti Waterfall area in Sisrang Village, Arfak Mountains, on Saturday (18/7) around 2:00 PM WIT. He was visiting the waterfall with two friends. While attempting to cross the river, he slipped and was carried away by the current. His friends attempted to help him independently but could not find him, leading to the report to the local police.