JAVASATU.COM- Indonesian troops serving under the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) were the first responders to a hotel collapse in Bankoko, Mbunya Commune, approximately 1.5 kilometers from downtown Bunia, on Thursday (May 22, 2025).
The three-story hotel, still under construction, suddenly gave way, burying several workers beneath the rubble. Soldiers from Indonesia’s Rapid Deployment Battalion (BGC) 39-F, based at Ndromo Super Camp, quickly deployed a joint evacuation team comprising security personnel, engineers, and medical units.
The rescue operation was carried out in coordination with Nepalese engineering forces and local Congolese authorities.
According to a statement released by Indonesia’s Armed Forces Information Center (Puspen TNI) on Sunday (May 25, 2025), three victims have been recovered — two of them confirmed dead. Search and rescue efforts remain ongoing amid fears of further collapses due to the unstable structure.
Colonel Imir Faishal, Commander of Task Force BGC 39-F MONUSCO, expressed condolences to the victims’ families and reaffirmed the Indonesian military’s commitment to humanitarian missions under the UN mandate.
“We will continue our efforts until all victims are accounted for. This is a humanitarian duty that cannot be postponed,” said Faishal on Sunday.
Rescue operations are expected to continue for the coming days under strict safety protocols and close coordination with local partners.
(Reporting by Nuh / Editing by JAVASATU Newsroom)
