Weather Becomes Obstacle in Search for Five Missing Journalists near Anak Krakatau

The Basarnas RIB 02 vessel has been scouring three islands surrounding Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait. However, the whereabouts of five journalists and three others have yet to be found on these islands.

The RIB 02 vessel returned from its search process on Wednesday (9/9/2026) afternoon, having traversed three islands around Anak Krakatau: Rakata, Krakatoa, and Panjang.

“The team targeted Rakata Island, Panjang Island, and Krakatoa,” said Ahmad Taufiq, a member of the joint SAR team from RIB 02, at the Joint Post in Carita, Pandeglang Regency, on Wednesday (9/9/2026).

These three islands fall within a 3-kilometre radius of the Anak Krakatau crater. This 3-kilometre radius is a danger zone or restricted area for the public under Level III (Alert) status.

Taufiq noted that the search was conducted amidst waters still filled with volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau. Volcanic ash is reported to still be present in several areas of the Sunda Strait.

Given these conditions, the crew arranged the sailing route to follow the wind direction so that the vessel would not be directly exposed to the volcanic ash.

“Volcanic ash is still thick in the waters of the Sunderm Strait. However, the ship is moving with the wind direction to avoid being hit by the ash,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of Operations and Readiness for Basarnas Banten, Rizky Dwianto, stated that the search area was expanded on the second day based on the results of the SAR Mission Planning (SARMEP).

“The SARMEP results point towards the southwest of Mount Anak Krakatau,” said Rizky.

Based on the search sector division, the total area covered by the SAR team reaches approximately 271 nautical miles, or about 502 kilometres.

Obstacles in the Search for Five Missing Journalists

Banten Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Hengki, stated that the five journalists and three others who lost contact near Mount Anak Krakatau have not yet been found. He noted that the search is being hindered by high waves.

“The team is still in the field and we are continuously monitoring them. The weather conditions involve strong winds and waves of approximately one to two metres. We are continuously monitoring the search progress from the post in Cariente,” said Hengki on Wednesday (9/9/2026).

Hengki added that during the search implementation, weather and water conditions have become significant challenges for the field teams. Based on preliminary monitoring, wind conditions are quite strong with wave heights ranging from 1–2 metres.

He also requested cooperation from the community and local fishermen to immediately report any suspicious floating objects found at sea to the authorities.

“If the community or fishermen find suspicious or floating objects in the sea, please immediately inform the officers or our post in Carita. This information will assist the team in conducting immediate checks and search measures,” said Hengki.

Ministry of Communication and Digital Strengthens Telecommunications Quality

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) is strengthening the telecommunications network to support the search operation for the five journalists and three speedboat crew members who lost contact while attempting to cover the activity of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait waters.

“Through the Directorate General of Digital Infrastructure, Komdigi is also providing support for the search efforts of the journalist group by strengthening the quality of telecommunications in the surrounding area of the Sunda Strait,” the Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, was quoted from a press release on Wednesday (9/9/2026).

Meutya explained that Komdigi continues to evaluate the need for network support in accordance with the developments of the search operation in the field.

Komdigi is also coordinating with Basarnas as the search and rescue authority, as well as the TNI, Polri, BNPB, BMKG, local governments, and other relevant parties.

“Coordination is being carried out to support the smooth running of the search operation and to ensure that information regarding the development of the situation can be conveyed accurately and verified,” she said.

For information, the five journalists who lost contact are M. Bagus Khoirunnas from Antara News, Ari Basuki from Merdeka.com, Yudistiro Pranoto from iNews.id, Firman Daus from Anadolu Agency, and Donal Husni, a freelance journalist.

They, along with three speedboat crew members, were reported to have lost contact on Monday (7/9) afternoon while intending to cover the activity of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait waters. Shortly after departure, communication with the group was severed.

As of Wednesday, their whereabouts remain unknown. A joint SAR operation is still underway to search for all members of the group.