Basarnas Optimises SAR Operations for Missing Journalists in Sunda Strait for Seven Days
Basarnas has confirmed that the search and rescue (SAR) process for a group of journalists who lost contact in the waters of the Sunda Strait, Pandeglang, Banten, will be conducted optimally for a full week. The group was reported missing while performing coverage duties regarding the activity of Mount Anak Krakatau.
This seven-day search operation is being conducted in accordance with the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) standards. Entering the third day, a joint team from various agencies is intensifying coordinated sweeps across the maritime area.
“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,” explained the Head of Basarnas, Air Marshal Mohammad Syafii, during a press conference in Pandeglang on Thursday (10/9).
To accelerate the discovery of the victims, the search coverage area at sea has been expanded to six sectors. This number increased gradually from three sectors on the first day and five sectors on the second day.
A total of 11 primary vessels have been deployed to the search location. The fleet consists of Indonesian Navy (KRI) vessels, Indonesian National Police (Polairud) ships, Basarnas patrol boats, and support from other SAR potential fleets.
“This strength is supported by more than 300 core personnel on standby at both command posts and in the field,” he said.
The Head of Basarnas emphasised that all search efforts refer to the mandate 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 ensuring they are found and evacuated,” he added.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Puan Maharani, has requested that the search operation for the five journalists and crew members lost near Mount Anak Krakatau be maximised with the full support of the Indonesian Navy.
Efforts to locate the eight missing individuals—comprising five journalists, a ship captain, crew members, and a guide—who lost contact while covering the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, continue to be intensified.
Members of the House of Representatives, including Mahfudz Abdurrahman, have called upon Basarnas, the TNI (Military), and the Polri (Police) to deploy maximum resources to find the journalists lost in the Sunda Strait.