Search for 5 Journalists Who Lost Contact While Covering Anak Krakatau Intensified; Basarnas Deploys New Vessel with 18 Personnel

The search operation for eight people who went missing after the Arupadatu I speedboat lost contact in the waters of the Sunda Strait continues to be strengthened. The Jakarta SAR Office has added one additional vessel to support the search, which has now entered its fourth day.

The Search and Rescue State Vessel (KN SAR) 234 Antasena was deployed from the Basarnas Pier at Pantai Mutiara, Jakarta, towards the operational area on Friday, 11 September 2026.

The vessel carries 18 personnel, comprising crew members and rescue specialists. KN SAR 234 Antasena is scheduled to arrive at the Indah Kiat Pier, Cilegon, at approximately 19:36 WIB before subsequently joining the search operation as required in the field.

This reinforcement is intended to expand the capabilities of the Joint SAR Team in locating the eight individuals who remain missing. “We have deployed KN SAR 234 Antasena along with 18 crew members and rescue personnel to provide support and strengthen the ongoing search and rescue operations. This addition is expected to support the search efforts so they can proceed more optimally in accordance with the developing situation on the ground,” said Desiana Kartika Bahari, Head of the Jakarta SAR Office.

The Arupadatu I speedboat was previously reported to have lost contact since Monday, 7 September 2026. The vessel was sailing for the purpose of reporting on the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau.

A total of eight people were on board the speedboat, consisting of five journalists and three crew members. KN SAR 234 Antasena departed Jakarta at approximately 15:00 WIB.

Upon arriving in Cilegon, the vessel will provide support to the SAR operation, which is still ongoing. Desiana emphasised that the safety of personnel remains a primary concern during the search process.

All units have been instructed to adjust the execution of the operation based on field conditions and developments. Previous search efforts have been expanded via sea and air, deploying various ships, speedboats, helicopters, and thermal drones around the area of Mount Anak Krakatau and the Sunda Strait.

The eight missing individuals include three speedboat crew members and five journalists. The crew members are Warta (55), the ship’s captain; Surakman (60), a crew member; and Heriyanto (49), a guide. The five journalists currently being searched for are M. Bagus Khoirunnas (28) from Antara; Ari Basaks (52) from Merdeka; Yudhis from iNews; Daus (42) from Anadolu; and Donal, a freelancer.