Aerial Search for Five Journalists Yields No Results
The Head of the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), Air Marshal Mohammad Syafii, stated that the results of the aerial search operation for journalists who lost contact in the waters of the Sunda Strait, Pandeglang, Banten on Thursday (10/9), have not yet produced any findings.
“Personally, from the aircraft, I have not seen anything. However, the results of today’s operation will certainly be based on reports from the six sectors on the ground and will be reported to the joint command post,” Syafii said during a press conference in Pandeglang on Thursday (10/9).
He explained that based on direct aerial monitoring using aviation facilities, Basarnas admits it has not yet directly seen any signs of the victims on the land of islands around Mount Anak Krakatau.
Nevertheless, he emphasised that the SAR team will continue intensive searches for the next seven days in accordance with international standards (IAMSAR Guidelines).
“We ensure that the search process in the field is still ongoing and has not been stopped. This operation involves strict cross-sectoral coordination with relevant agencies, such as the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) and the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG),” he explained.
According to him, the SAR operation pattern is highly dependent on updated scientific data from PVMBG and BMKG. Field teams also face weather challenges, including limited visibility due to haze originating from fires or volcanic activity below an altitude of 1,500 metres.
Although high-level volcanic ash is reported to have moved towards the Indian Ocean above 50,000 feet, safety remains the top priority before ground teams are deployed directly to the target islands.
“In accordance with standards, on the seventh day, we will hold an evaluation meeting involving everyone, including PVMBG, BMKG, and medical teams, to discuss the continuation of this operation,” he explained.
To support the acceleration of this operation, the joint SAR team has deployed at least 11 main vessels from various elements, including Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) warships, National Police Marine and Air Patrol (Polairud) vessels, Basarnas ships, and supporting vessels from other SAR potential contributors.
“This strength is supported by more than 300 core personnel on standby at the command post and in the field,” he said.
However, monitoring and safety advisories continue to be broadcast continuously to maritime users to assist in monitoring and reporting any signs of the victims in the waters.
“We remind everyone that emergency handling is the shared responsibility of all elements of the nation. All citizens have a moral obligation to take initial action in emergency situations while waiting for the arrival of relevant institutions such as the TNI, Polri, Babinsa, or local security apparatus,” he said.
Previously, the Banten Search and Rescue Office deployed a Dauphin AS325 N3+ helicopter unit, registration number HR-3604, to support the search for five journalists who lost contact in the Sunda Strait waters area.
The helicopter departed from Atang Sendjaja Airbase (ATS) at 12:36 WIB and was scheduled to arrive at JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, at 12:52 WIB. The flight route included JIExpo Kemayoran – Pantai Carita – BPBD Banten – Helipad/JIExpo Kemayoran.
The Head of the Banten Search and Rescue Office, Al Amrad, explained that the aerial unit carried seven crew members on board. This step is part of the effort to strengthen the search through aerial support, particularly for monitoring the SAR operation area around the Sunda Strait and Mount Anak Krakatau.
“The Search and Rescue Office, along with all elements of the Joint SAR, continues to optimise various facilities and search methods to find the eight people still being searched for,” he explained.