Indonesian cardinal speaks to Crux Now in wake of ferry disaster

Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo, the Archbishop of Jakarta and Military Ordinary for Indonesia, said the Church is praying for the victims and families following a ferry disaster in the Java Sea. Speaking to Crux Now, Suharyo noted that Indonesia has recently faced many challenges, including floods, earthquakes, droughts, and volcanic eruptions. He praised the government's response to the ferry tragedy but mentioned the human element involved in the country's frequent disasters.

The Virgo Transport 8 lost contact with its operator during the early hours of Sunday, Sept. 13, while traveling from Surabaya to Banjarmasin. The vessel was carrying 243 passengers and crew when it encountered bad weather approximately 93 miles south of Banjarmasin. While 108 people were rescued, the National Search and Rescue Agency reported that 126 people remain missing.

Divers recovered three bodies on Friday and began salvage operations this weekend to retrieve more victims and right the capsized ship. Authorities decided to right the vessel on Friday to help recovery efforts after strong currents and large waves hindered rescue work for five days.