Prabowo Orders Navy Chief to Deploy Forces to Search for Journalists in Sunda Strait

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the Indonesian Navy to deploy forces to search for a group of journalists who went missing while reporting on the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau.

“Since the group of five journalists and three ship crew members was reported to have lost contact on Monday night, President Prabowo immediately instructed the Chief of the Navy to conduct an urgent search; on that same day, the Navy deployed its vessels,” stated Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya in a statement on Thursday (10/9).

Following Prabowo’s instructions, the search operation was launched using a joint task force. According to reports from the Navy Chief, 11 vessels were deployed to sweep the search area and have located the group’s presence.

The eleven joint vessels include KRI Leuser-924, KRI Kerambit-627, KRI Lepu-861, KAL Anyer 1-3-64, KAL Pohawang I-3-30, RBB Peucang Lanal Banten, RHIB SAR 02 Banten, RHIB SAR 02 Lampung, KN SAR Tetuka-247, KN SAR Basudewa-224, and KP Sanjaya-7017.

Teddy noted that the deployment of these vessels demonstrates a coordinated search effort involving various elements and strengths. The search operation continues to be directed towards finding all members of the group who are currently reported to be out of contact.

Teddy also expressed his hopes and prayers that the five journalists and three crew members will be found safe. “Our prayers are for the safety of the entire group. May they be found safe and sound,” he said.

The group, consisting of five journalists, two crew members, and one guide, lost contact on Monday (7/9) at approximately 14:00 WIB. The group departed from Pagedongan Pier, Carita, Pandeglang, Banten, using a speedboat to cover the activity of Mount Anak Krakatau, which has been erupting since last weekend.

The individuals on the boat include M Bagus Khoirunnas (ANTARA journalist), Ari Basuki (Merdeka journalist), Yudhis (iNews journalist), Daus (Anadolu journalist), and Donal (freelance reporter). The crew members are Warta (55) and Surakman (60), accompanied by a guide named Heriyanto (49).