BNEWSID – After two days of intensive search efforts, the Joint Search and Rescue (SAR) Team has recovered the body of Surya Fajar Irawan (37), who was reported missing after drowning in the Badung River (Tukad Badung). The victim was found on Sunday afternoon (January 4, 2026) at around 11:35 a.m. local time (WITA).

Surya Fajar was discovered trapped inside a culvert at the exact location where he was initially reported missing. He was known to have drowned while fishing on Friday afternoon (January 2, 2026).

The discovery began when family members conducted an independent search and noticed part of the victim’s leg stuck inside the culvert.

“It is true. Earlier, the victim’s relatives who were searching on their own found part of the victim’s leg trapped in the culvert,” said I Wayan Juni Antara, Head of Operations Section at the Class A Denpasar Search and Rescue Office.

Upon receiving the report, nine personnel from the Joint SAR Team were immediately deployed to the site to carry out the evacuation. The narrow condition of the culvert made the evacuation process challenging.

“The location was very tight, with about half of the victim’s body inside the culvert. However, after various efforts, the Joint SAR Team successfully recovered the body,” Juni Antara explained.

The victim’s body was evacuated at approximately 11:35 a.m. WITA and subsequently transported to Prof. Ngoerah General Hospital using an ambulance provided by the Denpasar City Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) for further handling.

During the search operation, SAR personnel were divided into three main points: the incident location, Buagan Dam, and the estuary of the Badung River. The operation involved around 50 personnel from multiple agencies, including Basarnas, Bali Police SAR Samapta Unit, Bali Police Water and Air Unit (Polairud), Brimob Polda Bali, BPBD Rapid Response Team (TRC), Denpasar City BPBD, Denpasar Naval Base (Lanal), Balawista Denpasar, SAR MTA, Arjuna Rescue 115, Bali Ranger Community, Alfa Team, Bares, the victim’s family, and local residents.

Juni Antara expressed his appreciation to all parties involved in the search and rescue efforts.

“We extend our gratitude to all Joint SAR elements who assisted in the search operation with great dedication and spirit. We also hope the victim’s family is granted strength and resilience during this difficult time,” he said.

With the victim found on the second day, the Search and Rescue Operation has officially been declared concluded. (*)