Search Expanded for Five Journalists Missing Near Anak Krakatau

Pandeglang: The joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team comprising Basarnas, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and the Water Police (Polair) has resumed the search for five journalists who lost contact while covering activity at Anak Krakatau. 

The team has also expanded the search area around the suspected location where they were last seen. 

“We have expanded the search area because, based on our SAR map, the search is heading southwest of Anak Krakatau Island. Our search focus covers approximately 271 nautical miles in total across the search area,” said Banten Basarnas Operations Section Head Riski Dwiato in Pandeglang on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. 

The SAR team is coordinating with various parties to expand the search and gather information about the last known position of the five journalists. Basarnas has assured that the search operation will continue, with personnel safety remaining a priority. 

“Hopefully, the SAR team will soon find the victims safe and sound. The weather is currently partly cloudy, with winds blowing from south to north at a speed of 14 knots. Wave heights range from 0.4 to 1 meter, making the conditions relatively safe and conducive to the search operation,” Riski explained. 

The five journalists reported missing are M. Bagus Khoerunnas, a journalist with Antara; Yudhis, a journalist with iNews; Daus, a journalist with Anadolu; Ari Basuki, a journalist with Merdeka; and Donald, a freelance journalist. They were accompanied by two boat crew members and a tour guide. 

Previously, the five journalists were reported missing after losing contact while covering activities around Anak Krakatau on Monday afternoon September 7, 2026. Their whereabouts remain unknown as the joint SAR team continues its search. 

(Razaqa Hariz)