Joint SAR operation for missing journalists in Sunda Strait halted

Pandeglang, Banten - The search and rescue (SAR) operation for a group of journalists and the crew of the speedboat KM Arupadatu I, which lost contact in the waters of the Sunda Strait, has been officially halted after lasting 10 days.

The conclusion of the joint SAR operation was officially announced by the Governor of Banten, Andra Soni, during a press conference at the Joint SAR Main Post, Marina Carita Pier, Pandeglang Regency, Banten, on Thursday evening.

“As it is no longer effective, it is with a heavy heart that the implementation of this joint operation is declared ceased,” he stated.

Andra explained that throughout the operation, the joint SAR team generally found no signs of the victims or the ship’s crew across all searched sectors.

Previously, the SAR team had discovered 13 floating objects in the sea during the operation. However, he added, after verification by the Banten Regional Police Water and Air Police Unit (Ditpolairud Polda Banten), it was confirmed that none were connected to the physical structure or equipment of the KM Arupadatu I.

Nevertheless, the local government and Basarnas (National Search and Rescue Agency) have ensured that search and evacuation operations can be reopened at any time should new clues or confirmed reports from the public emerge.

The Governor of Banten also expressed his highest gratitude and appreciation to all members of the joint SAR team and the press members who continued to monitor the news and the implementation of this humanitarian operation.

“Hopefully, we will receive information that we can follow up on. My thanks to our media colleagues who have continued to assist this operation over the past 10 days,” he said, before concluding the press conference.