Basarnas ensures search operation for journalists to be optimised for one week

Pandeglang (ANTARA) - The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has ensured that the search and rescue (SAR) operation for a group of journalists who lost contact in the waters of the Sunda Strait, Pandeglang, Banten, while covering activities at Mount Anak Krakatau, will be optimised for seven days.

Basarnas Head, Air Marshal Mohammad Syafii, stated during a press conference in Pandeglang on Thursday that this decision aligns with the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) international guidelines.

He added that up to the third day of the search operation, the deployment of joint forces continues to be intensified massively and in coordination with various cross-agency elements.

“The operation continues. 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.

He further explained that the maritime search area is currently being expanded to six sectors, an increase from three sectors on the first day and five sectors on the second day.

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

“This force is supported by more than 300 core personnel on standby at both command posts and in the field,” he said.

In this regard, the Head of Basarnas emphasised that the government is committed to maximising the search process based on the provisions of Law Number 29 of 2014 concerning Search and Rescue.

“We sincerely hope to find them soon and be able to rescue them safely. The government is giving special attention to the efforts to ensure they are found and can be evacuated,” he said.