5 Journalists Reported Missing While Covering Anak Krakatau Activity
5 Journalists Reported Missing While Covering Anak Krakatau Activity
Reporter
September 8, 2026 | 08:43 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) in Banten is searching for five journalists reported missing in the Sunda Strait off Pandeglang, Banten, Indonesia, after the speedboat they were traveling on was reportedly involved in an accident.
The five journalists were identified as M. Bagus Khoirunnas of Antara, Ari Basuki of Merdeka, Yudhis of iNews, Daus of Anadolu Agency, and a freelancer named Donal.
Basarnas received an initial report that the speedboat carrying the five journalists had encountered an accident while they were covering activity at Mount Anak Krakatau.
Albert Wenno, head of the Basarnas central public relations office, said the incident was believed to have occurred on Monday, September 7, 2026.
The five journalists had departed from Pagedongan Pier in Carita, a coastal district in Pandeglang Regency, that afternoon.
“They were covering activity at Mount Anak Krakatau,” Albert told Tempo on Tuesday, September 8.
Albert said a journalist from Lampung identified as Abay last made contact at 2:42 p.m. local time on Monday. He shared his location until contact was lost at 3:04 p.m.
“As of the time this report was filed, the victims had not been found,” Albert said.
In addition to the five journalists, two other people aboard the vessel were also reported to have lost contact. Basarnas is still gathering information to determine their identities and status.
Basarnas Banten began its search from Pagedongan Pier. The speedboat, which was carrying seven people, belonged to the Carita village head and departed from Pagedongan Pier at around 2 p.m. Monday.
“The boat has not returned, and the owner has not received any information from the crew,” Albert said.
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