West Java Regional Police Assist in Search for Missing Journalists

Is there a possibility that they could have drifted from the Sunda Strait to these waters (West Java)?

Garut (ANTARA) - The West Java Regional Police (Polda Jabar) are monitoring waters within the West Java region to assist in the search process for five journalists reported missing while covering the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau in the waters of the Sunda Strait, Banten.

“Is there a possibility that they could have drifted from there (the Sunda Strait) to here (West Java waters),” stated the Head of West Java Regional Police, Inspector General Pipit Rismanto, to reporters in Garut Regency on Friday.

He stated that the West Java Regional Police have informed all fishing communities and the maritime police units (Satpolairud) across West Java regarding the incident involving the journalists who lost contact while reporting on the volcanic activity of Mount Anak Krakata in the Pandeglang Regency, Banten.

During his working visit to the Garut Police Headquarters, the Regional Police Chief called upon all parties, particularly the media, to pray for the journalists facing these difficulties while on duty covering the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau.

He expressed hope for swift confirmation regarding their whereabouts, as mass media reports indicate they have not yet been found.

“On our part, we also invite the media to pray, yes, to pray for everyone, especially those affected by this tragedy,” he said.

A joint SAR (Search and Rescue) team has been conducting maximum search efforts to determine the whereabouts of the victims, who have been out of contact since Monday (7/9).

The reported missing individuals include ANTARA photojournalist Muhammad Bagus Khoirunnas, who was covering the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau alongside four other photographers: Arie Basuki from Merdeka.com, Donal Husni (freelance photographer), Yudhistira from iNews, and Daus from Anadolu.