House of Representatives Urges Journalists to Prioritise Safety During Disaster Coverage

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Saan Mustopa, has urged journalists to prioritise safety factors when conducting coverage in areas affected by disasters.

Saan made these remarks in response to reports of five journalists who have lost contact while covering the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. As of now, these five journalists remain unreachable, and their whereabouts are unknown.

Saan stated that journalists need to prepare safety aspects before entering high-risk areas. “It is important to adhere to various risk protocols when conducting coverage, particularly in regions that have been hit by disasters,” Saan told reporters at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Thursday, 10 September 2026.

Saan explained that disaster-affected areas pose risks not only to the local community but also to journalists tasked with providing real-time information on field conditions. Regarding this, he requested that journalists do not force themselves to cover areas with extreme risks without adequate safety preparations.

“Especially in areas where the disaster creates risks, it is not only for the public but also for those covering the news,” he explained. “For those providing information regarding the latest developments in the field, it is vital to pay attention to safety factors.”

Furthermore, he emphasised that the House of Representatives will encourage relevant parties, including Basarnas (the National Search and Rescue Agency), to conduct a maximum effort in searching for the five journalists.

“It is important for us to have certainty regarding their whereabouts. Above all, we want them to be found as soon as possible,” Saan explained. “This concerns not only the individuals involved but also their families and all of us. Therefore, once again, the DPR will continue to urge all relevant parties to carry out a serious and maximum search for them,” he concluded.