Search for Five Journalists and Three Crew Members Terminated; Banten Provincial Government to Continue Support

The search and rescue (SAR) operation for five journalists and three crew members of the fast boat KM Arupadhatu I, who lost contact in the Sunda Strait while covering the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, has officially been terminated after lasting ten days.

The closure of the joint SAR operation was officially announced by the Governor of Banten, Andra Soni, during a press conference at the Joint SAR Main Post, Marina Carita Pier, Pandeglang Regency, Banten, on Thursday evening (17/9).

Governor Andra Soni stated that the Banten Provincial Government will continue to assist the families of the eight victims lost in the Sunda Strait. “We ensure that our assistance will continue even though the active search operations by the Joint SAR Team will eventually cease,” he said in Pandeglang on Friday (18/9).

Of the eight people on board the vessel, six have been confirmed as residents of Banten through their national identity cards (KTP), according to Andra. “We will coordinate with the families, as what they need most today is support and certain information,” he added.

Andra noted that the Banten Provincial Government bears a moral responsibility to provide support throughout the ongoing handling and monitoring process. He expressed his belief that the families of the missing journalists and crew members still hold great hope that the eight individuals, who remain unlocated, will soon be found.

“We all continue to maintain hope that our colleagues and brothers can still be found. We will keep communication channels open to coordinate and convey every development from various parties so that families do not lose access to information,” he concluded.

To date, prayers continue to flow for the journalists who have not yet been found after performing their reporting duties amidst the disaster caused by the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. Basarnas Bengkulu reported that the search for the fast boat in the Enggano Island area yielded no results, and DNA samples from unidentified remains have been sent to the National Police.