Search for Five Missing Journalists Expanded to Sertung Island, Entering Restricted 3km Zone
The Banten Provincial Government, in collaboration with local residents, is continuing to expand the search for journalists, including an ANTARA Bureau Banten photographer, who lost contact in the Sunda Strait, Pandeglang, Banten, while covering the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau.
During a visit to the SAR Post at Marina Carita Beach, Banten, on Thursday, Banten Governor Andra Soni stated that the administration has taken advice from the families requesting that the search be extended to Sertung Island in the Sunda Strait.
“We conveyed last night that the island in question falls within the 3-kilometre radius that is recommended or prohibited for entry. However, we have communicated all of this to Basarnas (National Search and Rescue Agency); technically, everything is controlled by Baserys,” he said.
Soni expressed hope that the search would be conducted while strictly adhering to existing safety procedures. “After we conveyed our concerns, Basarnas will certainly consider all possibilities without neglecting the necessary safety protocols. We have placed our trust in Basarnas,” added Andra.
He emphasised that the Banten Provincial Government, Basarnas, and relevant cross-sector authorities continue to express deep concern regarding the disappearance of eight individuals aboard a speedboat that departed on a mission to cover the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption.
“We hope that our colleagues and friends performing their journalistic duties are found safe. Once again, I ask all Indonesians to join in prayer for our journalist friends and the crew members, that they may be safe,” he explained.
The eight individuals currently being sought include five journalists: M. Bagus Khoirunnas (ANTARA News), Ari Basuki (Merdeka.com), Yudhistiro (iNews), Firdaus (Anadolu), and Donal (freelance journalist). The others include Warta (boat captain), Surakman (crew member), and Heriyanto (guide). They were reported missing on Monday, 7 September 2026.
Basarnas has deployed one Dauphin AS365 N3+ helicopter to strengthen the search operation from the air. The SAR Mission Coordinator (SMC) of Basarnas, Al Amrad, stated that the deployment of the helicopter, registration number HR-3604, is focused on monitoring the waters of the Sunda Strait and the perimeter of Mount Anak Krakatau.
“The deployment of this helicopter is part of the effort to strengthen the search through aerial support, specifically for monitoring the SAR operational area around the Sunda Strait waters and Mount Anak Krakatau,” said Amrad, who also serves as the Head of the Banten SAR Office.