inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Banten Regional Police Chief Inspector General Hengki met with the family of an ANTARA photojournalist who is missing after losing contact while covering the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau (GAK) in the Sunda Strait, Pandeglang Regency, Banten.

Hengki visited the National Search and Rescue (SAR) Post. During the visit, Hengki offered moral support to the journalist's wife, who is awaiting news of her husband's whereabouts.

Hengki asked the family to remain calm and entrust the search to the joint SAR team continuing to work in the field.

"We pray that everything goes smoothly. So stay calm," he said in Pandeglang, Tuesday (9/8/2026).

Hengki also expressed the Banten Regional Police's concern over the incident that befell the journalist group. He hoped the family would be given strength and fortitude during the search process.

"Please pray a lot, everything will go smoothly, and hopefully everyone will be safe," he said.

According to Hengki, all SAR teams have been asked to optimize the search process while maintaining the safety and security of all personnel and victims still being searched for.

"All deployed teams must ensure maximum readiness and hard work within the SAR team's integration," he explained.

In addition to optimizing the search in the waters, the Banten Regional Police have also prepared a medical team and various supporting facilities. These measures are in place to anticipate medical needs and the identification process should any developments occur during the search operation.

"I have requested that rest facilities be provided for the families of the victims who arrive and await the search process," he said.

Hengki also reminded all elements involved in the SAR operation not to neglect safety. The teams are asked to continue monitoring developments in the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau and weather conditions based on information from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).

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