SAR Operation for Missing Journalists in Sunda Strait Officially Closed After 10 Days
The joint search and rescue (SAR) operation for a group of journalists and the crew of the fast boat KM Arupadatu I, which lost contact in the waters of the Sunda Strait, was officially halted on Thursday (17/9). This decision was made after the SAR team scoured the area for ten full days without significant results.
The cessation of this humanitarian operation was announced directly by the Governor of Banten, Andra Soni, during a press conference held at the Joint SAR Main Post, Marina Carita Pier, Pandeglang Regency, Buala, on Thursday evening.
“As it is no longer effective, it is with a heavy heart that this joint operation is declared terminated,” said Andra Soni.
In his statement, the Governor of Banten explained that the joint SAR team had not found any clues or signs of the whereabouts of the victims or the ship’s crew across all search sectors up to the final day of the operation.
The final day of the search involved 523 joint personnel conducting land, sea, and air sweeps. The total area reached amounted to 8,509 square nautical miles (NM).
Previously, the team had discovered 13 floating objects in the waters. However, verification by the Banten Regional Police Water and Air Police Unit (Ditpolairud Polda Banten) confirmed that none of these findings were related to the physical remains or equipment of KM Arupadatu I.
Although the operation has officially closed, the local government, alongside the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), emphasised that the search process could be reopened at any time. This would apply if valid clues or new, confirmed reports are received from the community.
Concluding the press conference, the Governor of Banten expressed deep appreciation to all elements involved in this rescue mission, including members of the media.
“We hope to receive information that we can follow up on, and we thank our media colleagues who have continued to assist this operation over the past 10 days,” he concluded.