Banten Provincial Government Expands Search for Journalists Missing in Sunda Strait
The Banten Provincial Government, in collaboration with local residents, is continuing to expand the search for journalists, including an ANTARA news photographer from the Banten Bureau, who lost contact in the Sunda Strait, Pandeglang, Banten, while covering the eruption activities of Mount Anak Krakatau.
While inspecting the SAR Post at Marina Carita Beach, Banten, on Thursday, Banten Governor Andra Soni stated that the administration is following suggestions from the families, who have requested that the search be extended to Sertung Island in the Sunda Strait.
“We conveyed last night that the island in question falls within the 3-kilometre radius that is recommended or prohibited for entry; however, we have communicated all of this to Basarnas, as technically everything is controlled by Basarse (National Search and Rescue Agency),” he said.
Soni expressed hope that the search would be conducted while strictly adhering to existing safety procedures.
“After we conveyed our concerns, Basarnas will certainly consider all possibilities without neglecting the necessary safety protocols. We have placed our trust in Basarnas,” said Andra.
He emphasised that the Banten Provincial Government, Basarnas, and relevant cross-sectoral authorities continue to express deep concern regarding the disappearance of eight people aboard a speedboat that departed on a mission to cover the Mount Anak Krakatau eruptions.
“We hope that our colleagues and friends performing their journalistic duties are found safe. Once again, I ask the entire Indonesian community to join in prayer for our friends, our fellow journalists, and the crew members, for their safety,” he explained.
The eight missing individuals include five journalists: M. Bagus Khoirunnas (ANTARA News), Ari Basuki (Merdeka.com), Yudhistiro (iNews), Firdaus (Anadolu), and Donal (freelance journalist). The others include Warta (boat captain), Surakman (crew member), and Heriyanto (guide). They were reported missing on Monday (7/9).
Basarnas has also deployed one Dauphin AS365 N3+ helicopter unit to strengthen the search operation from the air.
Basarnas SAR Mission Coordinator (SMC), Al Amrad, stated that the deployment of the helicopter, registration number HR-3604, is focused on monitoring the waters of the Sunda Strait and the perimeter of Mount Anak Krakatau.
“The deployment of this helicopter is part of the effort to strengthen the search through aerial support, specifically for monitoring the SAR operational area around the Sunda Strait waters and Mount Anak Krakatau,” said Amrad, who is also the Head of the Banten SAR Office.