Banten Provincial Government Prepares Accommodation for Journalists Covering SAR Post

The Banten Provincial Government has established a public kitchen and is preparing accommodation facilities for journalists covering and monitoring the search for five journalists and three speedboat crew members who lost contact in the waters of the Sunda Strait.

Banten Governor Andra Soni stated that the accommodation facilities are located in the Taman Hutan Raya (Tahura) area, which is less than one kilometre or approximately three minutes away from the SAR Post. “We have also set up a public kitchen to serve the logistical needs of the joint SAR team, volunteers, journalists, and the victims’ families,” Governor Andra said in a statement in Pandeglang on Friday.

Nevertheless, Governor Andra emphasised that the technical search process remains under the control and authority of the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas). The Banten Provincial Government will continue to coordinate and support requirements throughout the operation.

“We entrust the technical search process to Basarnas. We are making every effort together, coordinating everything that can be assisted, and of course, continuously praying that all victims are found safe,” he added.

Head of Basarnas, Air Marshal Mohammad Syafii, confirmed that the search and rescue (SAR) operation for the group of journalists who lost contact in the Sunda Strait waters, Pandeglang, Banten, while covering activities at Mount Anak Krakatau, will be optimised for seven days. This is in accordance with the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) international guidelines.

Meanwhile, up to the third day of the search operation, the deployment of joint forces continues to be intensified massively and in a coordinated manner, involving various agencies.

“The operation is ongoing. Referring to the IAMSAR guidelines, this operation will be carried out consecutively for seven days. On the seventh day, we will conduct an evaluation meeting involving all parties,” he explained.

Furthermore, to support the acceleration of this operation, the joint SAR team has deployed at least 11 main vessels from various elements, including Indonesian Navy warships (KRI), Indonesian National Police Water Police vessels, Basarnas ships, and supporting vessels from other SAR potential contributors.

“This force is supported by more than 300 core personnel who are on standby at the post and in the field,” he said.