Search for Missing Journalists near Anak Krakatau Extended until Next Monday

The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) is continuing its search operation for five journalists and three crew members who lost contact near Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait. The search operation is set to be conducted over a seven-day period.

As the search process commenced on Tuesday (8/9), the seven-day operation will run until next Monday (14/9). “Referring to the IAMSAR Guidelines, this operation will be carried out consecutively for 7 days,” stated the Head of Basarnas, Air Marshal M Syafii, on Friday (11/9/2026).

On the seventh day, officials will conduct an evaluation to determine the continuation of the search process. “On the seventh day, we will hold an evaluation meeting involving all relevant parties, including PVMBG, BMKG, and medical personnel, to decide on the next steps for this operation,” he added.

Syafii explained that the search operations take place from the morning until 17:00 WIB. However, this does not mean that the search and rescue efforts stop entirely. “What stops between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm is the use of certain infrastructure and equipment which has significant limitations, meaning they may dock or moor in the evening,” he said.

“However, for maritime traffic users, we will continuously declare and urge all users of the sea routes to assist in the search. Therefore, the operation will be carried out continuously throughout the 7 days,” he said.

It is reported that eight individuals lost contact after sailing near Mount Anak Krakatau on Monday (7/9). The five journalists on the speedboat are M. Bagus Khoirunnas from Antara, Ari Basuki from Merdeka.com, Yudistiro Pranoto from iNews, Firman Daus from Anadolu Agency, and Donal Husni, a freelance journalist.

They departed from the Carita area in Pandeglang alongside Warta, the speedboat captain, Sukarman as a crew member, and Heriyanto as a guide, to conduct news coverage of Mount Anak Krakatau.