“The bodies were discovered at around 8:45 a.m. local time. Both were found intact, in the same location, buried under landslide material,” he said here on Saturday.
The two victims were identified as Irawan (46) from Cilacap, Central Java, and Wigih Hartono (37) from Tulungagung, East Java. Identification and post-mortem examinations are currently being conducted by the Mimika Police forensic team.
“Following the examinations, both bodies are scheduled to be flown back to their respective hometowns today,” he added.
The discovery brings the total confirmed fatalities to two, while five workers remain missing. Rescue operations are ongoing at the underground site, which has been filled with wet mud since Monday evening (September 8).
“Search efforts for the remaining workers are still underway,” Budiman stated.
Of the seven workers initially trapped, five are employees of PT Redpath Indonesia, and two are electrical technicians from PT Cipta Kontrak under the PTFI Operation Maintenance Division.
Earlier, PT Freeport Indonesia VP of Corporate Communications Katri Krisnati said the team has been working tirelessly using remote loaders, drills, and drones, despite extreme risks.
She explained that the largest challenge is the massive volume of active wet material, which is significantly higher than in previous incidents. This made the process complex, high-risk, and required additional time to remove a large amount of debris.
“This operation is extremely difficult and risky. However, we remain committed to doing everything possible,” she affirmed.
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Translator: Evarianus, Kenzu
Editor: Primayanti
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