Journalists Missing in Sunda Strait, Nico Siahaan: Press Duties are Heavy
Member of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Junico Siahaan (Nico Siahaan), has expressed profound concern over the disappearance of five journalists who were covering activities at Mount Anak Krakatau in the waters of the Sunda Strait. Junico emphasised that this incident serves as a reminder of how heavy and risky press duties can be in the field.
As someone with a long background in the media and broadcasting industry, Junico explained that every piece of information or broadcast enjoyed by the public is the result of hard work fraught with risk. “Behind every image that reaches the public, there is a crew working, facing risks, and having families waiting for them to return home,” Junoca stated in an official statement in Jakarta on Thursday (10/09/2026).
Junico hopes that the ongoing search operation will proceed smoothly and that the entire group is found safe. He urged the joint SAR (Search and Rescue) team and the government to optimise all resources by integrating technical and field information. Data to be synchronised includes the last known position, communication traces, current conditions, weather, and information from families, colleagues, boat operators, and the local community around the Sunda Strait. “Every clue regarding their possible location, including search requests around Sertung Island, needs to be verified and followed up by the SAR team according to operational assessments,” he asserted.
In addition to the technical search, Junico requested that the government appoint an official liaison officer to accompany the victims’ families. This is deemed essential so that developments in the search, operational obstacles, and future plans can be communicated regularly with clear and empathetic language. He also reminded the media companies where the journalists work to be actively involved, adding, “Media companies need to be involved so that responsibilities towards their employees and their families can be fully met.”
Separately, the Banten Search and Rescue (SAR) Office has increased the intensity of the operation by deploying a Dauphin AS365 N3+ helicopter, registration number HR-3604. This aerial support is focused on monitoring the waters of the Sunda Strait and the area surrounding Mount Anak Krakatau. The Head of the Banten SAR Office, Al Amrad, explained that the helicopter carries seven personnel to strengthen aerial monitoring. The flight route covers crucial points from Carita Beach to the last known coordinates.
In addition to the five journalists, there are three crew members who were also on the speedboat when the incident occurred. The joint SAR operation, now in its third day, has expanded the search for the group to the edges of Mount Anak Krakatau, covering an area of 2,109 nautical miles squared. Efforts to locate the eight missing individuals—comprising five journalists and three crew members—continue to be expanded.