Baznas deploys team to assist search for missing journalists in Sunda Strait

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Board of Zakat (Baznas), through its Disaster Response unit (BTB), is assisting in the search and rescue process for a group of journalists who lost contact in the waters of the Sunda Strait, Carita District, Pandeglang Regency, Banten.

Idy Muzayyad, the Head of Distribution, Utilisation, and Empowerment at Baznas RI, stated that Baznas’ involvement is part of a humanitarian response to support the search and rescue efforts. He emphasised that cross-agency coordination remains a vital component of every disaster response undertaken by Baznas.

“In its implementation, we continue to coordinate with all parties involved on the ground. We hope the entire search process can proceed optimally and that the journalists and crew members can be found safe and sound,” said Idy Muzayyad.

It is reported that the group lost contact and consists of five journalists and three crew members who were documenting the activity of Mount Anak Krakatau. The group included ANTARA photojournalist Muhammad Bagus Khoirunas, alongside Arie Basuki from merdeka.com, Donker Husni (freelance photographer), Yudhistira from iNews, and Daus from Anadolu.

The five photojournalists have been out of contact since Monday (7/9) while travelling towards the Sunda Strait waters to cover the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau.

Separately, the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has deployed 13 vessels across four sectors on the fourth day of the search operation. Al Amrad, Head of the Banten SAR Office, noted that the 13 assets deployed for the fourth day include KRI Kerambit 627, KN SAR Tetuka, KP Hayabusa, KN SAR Basudewa, KRI Leuser 924, KAL Anyer, KP Sanjaya, RIB 02 Banten, RBB P Peucang, RIB Lampung, KAL Pahowang, TB Gunung Santri, and KRI Lepu.