Search for Missing Journalists: Duration Extended, Search Area Expanded
A week-long search for five journalists and crew members who lost contact in the waters near Mount Anak Krakatau has yielded no results. Consequently, the search operation has been extended for an additional three days.
“I am reporting the evaluation of the seventh day of the SAR (Search and Rescue) operation, which remains unsuccessful. Following the results of the coordination meeting presented by the Governor, we will continue the operation for the next three days,” said the Head of the Banten Search and Rescue Office, Al Amrad, at the joint SAR post in Carita, Pandeglang, on Monday (14/9).
Al Amrad stated that every search effort conducted by the SAR Team is based on data provided by the BMKG (Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency) and PVMBG (Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation). During this extension, the agency will continue to deploy its standby fleet.
“As usual, we evaluated from the first to the seventh day to identify our challenges and the areas we have yet to cover,” said Al Amrad.
Banten Governor Andra Soni stated that the extension was requested by the families of the missing and the Banten Provincial Government. Andra requested that the search process be optimised, expressing hope that the five journalists, two crew members, and one guide aboard the Arupadhatu I vessel return safely.
“According to SAR Law number 29 of 2014, the search period is set at seven days, but it can be extended for several reasons, including requests from families and local governments,” said Andra Soni in Pandeglang on Monday (14/9/2026).
“On behalf of the Banten Provincial Government, we request Basarnas, as well as support from the Banten Regional Police—specifically the Marine and Air Police—the Banten Naval Base, and all stakeholders in Banten Province, to continue this operation in accordance with applicable laws,” he added.
Search Area Expanded
The search process has entered its eighth day. The search has been expanded to sweep the area around Enggano Island in Bengkulu.
“On this eighth day, we have expanded the search across several maritime sectors involving joint SAR elements, including Basarnas, the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces), the Polri (Indrionesian National Police), and other potential SAR contributors,” said the Head of the Banten Search and Rescue Office, Al Amrad, on Tuesday (15/9/2026).
“We are also monitoring the coastal areas of Bengkulu and Enggano Island as an anticipatory measure in case there is any movement of victims or objects related to this incident,” he added.
Al Amrad noted that the joint SAR team plans to sweep five sectors covering a total area of approximately 3,962 nautical miles squared. He also mentioned that the SAR team has deployed drones.
“In addition to the sea search, the joint SAR team has prepared two Basarnas thermal drone units to support aerial monitoring,” said Al Amrad.
Sub-section Head of Operations and Readiness at Basarnas Banten, Rizky Dwianto, stated that they are being assisted by the Bengkulu SAR team to conduct searches in that region.
“We have mapped the area, and we are being assisted by the Bengkulu SAR office to cover their jurisdiction,” said Rizky.
Rizky expressed hope that there would be clues regarding the whereabouts of the group of journalists in the Bengkulu area. He noted that the search in Bengkulu waters is being conducted based on mapping performed by his team.
“The SAR map we predicted leads towards the Bengkulu SAR office area, which is already being covered by our colleagues from the Bengkulu SAR office,” he said.
Searches via helicopter have also been conducted, but no signs of the group have been found.
“Yesterday, with HR-3604, we conducted a sweep of the entire area for approximately two hours. According to information from the helicopter crew, there were no signs found,” he said.
20 Vessels Deployed
Rizky stated that 20 vessels have been deployed for the search operation on the eighth day. The SAR team is sweeping the waters of the Sunda Strait, covering an area of 3,962 nautical miles squared.
“The search area for the team today is 3,962 nautical miles squared. We have divided the area into five sectors. The primary equipment involved includes 20 vessels,” said Rizky Dwianto.
The deployment of 20 vessels today represents the largest number of ships involved throughout the search process, which has now entered its eighth day. On Monday (14/9), 18 vessels were deployed.