Bandung, West Java (ANTARA) - The extended family of West Java Governor M. Ridwan Kamil stated that the governor’s eldest son, Emmeril Kahn Mumtadz, had screamed for help before being dragged away by Aare River's currents on Thursday, May 26.

"Hence, at the time of the incident, according to information from the family, Mumtadz ensured that two people had (left) the river (by reaching the riverbank). By God's will, something unexpected happened, (and he) was dragged away (by the river's current), so Mumtadz screamed for help," Ridwan Kamil’s brother, Elpi Nazmuzaman, stated during the press conference held at the Pakuan Negara Building, Bandung City, on Saturday.

Nazmuzaman remarked that Mumtadz’ cry for help was audible to the family, and the kin members, who were standing by the riverbank, rushed immediately to look for him.

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Locals present on the riverbank at the time of incident also heard the cry for help from his nephew, and they contacted the authorities immediately, he stated.

"As soon as the cry for help were heard, the people standing on the riverbank called the police," Nazmuzaman further added.

When the incident occurred, Mumtadz was with his family, including his mother.

Nazmuzaman stated that Mumtadz was swimming with some of his friends in Aaree River, Bern, Switzerland.

At that time, Mumtadz's family met with the local police, and it turned out that the police was already aware of it.

"Thus, we laud the police’s immediate response to monitor the situation," he stated.

He also remarked that Governor Kamil had lauded the thoughts and prayers for him and his family after the disappearance of their son.
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Translator: Ajat Sudrajat, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Suharto
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