inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Indonesian National Police (INP), along with Basarnas (National Search and Rescue Agency) and related agencies, are giving their best in searching for the missing journalists who lost contact while covering the activity of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait, Pandeglang Regency, Banten.
The Head of the Public Relations Division of INP, Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir, stated that INP is committed to fully supporting the search process by deploying available personnel and equipment, while strengthening collaboration with Basarnas and all relevant agencies in the field.
"We, together with Basarnas and all relevant agencies, continue to optimize the search for fellow journalists who lost contact while carrying out their reporting duties. Collaboration between all agencies are crucial in this search effort, while continuously monitoring the condition and safety of personnel in the field," Johnny said in a statement in Jakarta, Tuesday (9/8/2026).
The search effort began after the speedboat carrying the media crew departed from Pagedongan Pier, Carita, on Monday (9/7/2026) at around 2:00 PM to cover the activity of Mount Anak Krakatau. The last communication with the group was reported to have occurred at around 2:42 PM, before contact was lost at 3:04 PM.
Following up on this information, Banten Regional Police's Water Unit Directorate, collaborated with Basarnas and joint units to conduct a search around the last known location of the speedboat. The team also deployed a Basarnas vessel, RIB 02 Banten, and various search and rescue equipment.
Superintendent Lis Handayana, Head of the Patrol Sub-Directorate of the Banten Regional Police's Water Unit Directorate, explained that the search involved joint units from Basarnas, the Banten Regional Police's Water Unit Directorate, INP Headquarters, and other relevant parties.
"The Basarnas vessel, along with joint units from the Banten Regional Police's Water Unit Directorate and Headquarters, carried out the search until 10:31 PM. The search has been temporarily suspended and will resume tomorrow," said Lis.
Lis emphasized that the situation during the search process was safe and under control. The joint team will resume search operations on Wednesday (9/9/2026).
"For now, the situation is under control. Hopefully, the journalists will be found soon," he said.
Based on initial information from Basarnas, there were eight people on board the speedboat. Some of them are known to be journalists: M. Bagus Khoirunnas from Antara, Ari Basuki from Merdeka, Yudhis from iNews, and Daus from Anadolu Agency. The identities of the others are still being identified.
Johnny added that INP will continue to coordinate with Basarnas and all relevant agencies to ensure the search process runs optimally until all missing crew members are found.
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