Poor Weather in Sunda Strait: Search for Five Missing Journalists Covering Anak Krakatau to Resume Tomorrow
Banten, VIVA – Banten Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Hengki, stated that a joint team is continuing the search for the speedboat carrying a group of journalists, including an Antara News photographer, which lost contact in the Sunda Strait.
The vessel was reported to have lost contact while the group was covering the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau in the waters of Pandeglang Regency, Banten, Hengki said during a telephone conversation with the President Director of LKBN Antara, Benny Siga Butarbutar, in Jakarta on Tuesday, 8 September 2026.
Hengki noted that the search operation was temporarily halted because the weather and wave conditions posed significant dangers.
The search involves the Maritime and Air Police Directorate (Ditpolairud) of the Banten Regional Police, the National Police Maritime and Air Police Corps (Korpolairud Baharkam Polri), Basarnas, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and an integrated disaster management team.
“The search has commenced, involving our Maritime Police together with Basarnas and the integrated disaster management team; everyone is assisting in the search,” said Hengki.
Hengki added that the whereabouts of the group could not yet be confirmed following the loss of contact. The team is still gathering information to ascertain their condition.
Hengki explained that the team had conducted a search, but the operation was halted towards nightfall as weather conditions worsened, including high waves and strong winds.
“The integrated teams from Basarnas and the Maritime Police were searching, but were unable to proceed as the operation was halted by darkness, the approach of night, large waves, and strong winds,” he said.
He emphasised that authorities and the joint team will continue the search while prioritising safety conditions in the field.
“Working in integration with Basarnas, the Maritime Police, and the Regional Police, everyone is working shoulder to shoulder to find their whereabouts,” he said.
He also requested that any new information regarding the missing persons be coordinated immediately so that the search process can be conducted based on accurate information.
Meanwhile, the Director of Maritime and Air Police of the Banten Regional Police, Commissioner Eko Hartanto, stated that the search will resume on Wednesday (9/9) morning, involving Basarnas vessels and other elements.
He noted that a Basarnas vessel approximately 40 metres in length would be utilised, as it is more capable of supporting the search amidst the ongoing risky maritime conditions.
“That vessel is sufficiently capable of conducting the search and covering the necessary radius,” said Eko.