Citizens Join Search for Missing Journalists in Sunda Strait; Basarnas: Adhere to Safety Procedures
The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has requested that members of the public involved in the search efforts for five journalists and three crew members—who lost contact while covering the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait area—continue to adhere to established safety procedures.
Basarnas Head Mohammad Syafii emphasised the importance of citizens staying updated on the safe operating limits for vessels. This was stated by Syafii during an inspection of the Marina Carita SAR Post in Pandeglang, Banten, on Thursday (10/9).
“As this is an eruption, a 3 km radius is prohibited. Outside of that, if permitted, we will not restrict the activities of the community,” said Syafii.
He urged all elements of society assisting in the search for the missing journalists to follow the regulations issued by local governments and relevant ministries/agencies to avoid additional risks caused by volcanic activity.
Basarnas has confirmed that the search operation will be optimised for seven days, referring to the standards of the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) guidelines. By the third day of the operation, a massive and coordinated deployment of joint forces involving various agencies has been intensified. Syafii explained that a thorough evaluation will be conducted once the seven-day operational period concludes.
“The operation continues. Referring to the IAMSAR guidelines, this operation will be carried out consecutively for seven days. On the seventh day, we will hold an evaluation meeting involving all parties,” he noted.
Regarding field developments, Syafii stated that the results of the aerial search for the missing journalists in the Sunda Strait on the third day have not yet yielded results. Based on direct aerial monitoring, the team has not found any signs of the victims on the land of the islands surrounding Mount Anak Krakatau.
“Personally, from the aircraft, I have not seen anything, but today’s operational results from the six sectors in the field will be reported to the joint command post,” he concluded.
The joint SAR operation on its third day has expanded the search for the missing group of journalists to the edges of Mount Anak Krakatau, covering an area of 2,109 nautical miles squared. Various high-level officials, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, and members of Commission I, have called for maximum resource deployment, including support from the Indonesian Navy, to locate the missing individuals.