Two Indonesians reportedly missing in Victoria

Indonesian students Rudy, 29, and Dean Lesmana, 27, have gone missing in an area struck by the great wildfire in Victoria, Australia, Indonesia's foreign minister said Thursday.

Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda said the fate of the two hotel management students is still unknown.

"We're not exactly sure if the two Indonesians are among the victims of the fire," he said, as quoted by tempointeraktif.com. "We will further look into the matter, even though they have not been identified as victims as yet."

Ministry spokesperson Teuku Faizasyah added the Indonesian Consulate in Melbourne has sent a few staff members to the Victorian Bushfire Information Center to get further information.

"Since the two are not yet included on the list of fire victims, we're asking the Victoria federal government to help out with the search," he said.

The Indonesian Consulate on Wednesday was notified the two were missing by Rudy's sister Yuliana, Faizasyah said.

"Rudy and Dean were in Victoria on holiday," he said, adding the two have been studying hotel management in Australia since 2007. (amr)