Search for Missing Journalists in Sunda Strait: Basarnas Deploys US Dauphin AS365 N3+ Helicopter
Search efforts for eight individuals—comprising five journalists and three crew members—who lost contact in the Sunda Strait area are being significantly expanded. The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) is now maximising aerial monitoring by deploying a Dauphin AS365 N3+ helicopter.
The incident of lost contact occurred on Monday (7/9) while the group was travelling to cover recent activity at Mount Anak Krakatau in the Pandeglang region, Banten. The missing journalists include M. Bagus Khoirunnas (ANTARA News Agency), Ari Basuki (Merdeka.com), Yudhistiro (iNews), Firdaus (Anadolu), and Donal (freelance journalist). The crew members include Warta (Captain), Surakman (Crew), and Heriyanto (Guide).
Basarnas Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator (SMC), Al Amrad, explained that the flight of the aircraft, registered as HR-3604, aims to sweep the open waters and the perimeter of Mount Anak Krakatau from high altitude. “The deployment of this helicopter is part of the efforts to strengthen the search through aerial support, specifically in monitoring the SAR operation area around the Sunda Strait waters and Mount Anak Krakatau,” said Amrad, who is also the Head of the Banten SAR Office.
According to operational data, the HR-3604 helicopter took off from Atang Sendjaja Air Force Base (Lanud ATS) in Bogor at 12:36 WIB. The aircraft first transited through JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, before continuing its main patrol route: JIExpo Kemayoran – Carita Beach – Banten BPBD – Helipad/JIExpo Kemayoran.
This aerial mission is being synchronised with sea-based sweeping operations that have been ongoing. The joint SAR team involves various elements, including personnel from Basarnas, the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL), Marine Police (Polairud), Banten Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and local volunteers. All parties are committed to deploying all available resources to find all victims as quickly as possible.
As of the third day since the speedboat went missing, the search area has been expanded to 2,483 square nautical miles, with waves reaching up to 4 metres. Three Indonesian Navy vessels have been involved in the joint SAR operation. The search area has also been extended north of Mount Anak Krakatau, while Banten Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Hengki, is considering further aerial searches while monitoring weather conditions and volcanic eruptions.