Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Indonesian National Police (INP) collaborated with the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) and joint maritime units to maximize search and rescue (SAR) operations for several journalists reported missing in action while covering Mount Anak Krakatau's volcanic activity in the Sunda Strait, Pandeglang Regency, Banten.

The news crew departed from Pagedongan Pier in Carita aboard a speedboat on Monday afternoon at approximately 2 pm. Final radio contact occurred at 2.42 pm before communication cut off completely at 3.04 pm.

"The INP is deploying maritime officers and tactical watercraft alongside Basarnas to locate our missing media colleagues," Head of the INP Public Relations Division Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir said on Tuesday (*/9/2026).

Initial manifest details from Basarnas indicate eight individuals were onboard the vessel, including journalists M. Bagus Khoirunnas (Antara), Ari Basuki (Merdeka), Yudhis (iNews), and Daus (Anadolu Agency).

Banten Regional Police Water and Air Directorate Patrol Sub-Directorate Head Superintendent Lis Handayana confirmed that joint search vessels, including the Basarnas ship and RIB 02 Banten, combed last-known coordinate sectors before pausing operations late Tuesday night due to hazardous conditions. 

Operations resumed on Wednesday morning.

(mg/ta/pr/rs)