en.malanginspirasi.com – Eight people, including five journalists, remain missing in the waters of the Sunda Strait since Monday (7 September 2026) as they departed by speedboat from Pagedongan Pier in Carita, Pandeglang Regency, to cover the volcanic activity of Mount Anak Krakatau.
According to Basarnas Banten data, the group left around 2:00 p.m. local time (WIB).
The last communication occurred at 2:42 p.m., when one passenger shared their latest location with a fellow journalist in Lampung.
Contact was completely lost at 3:04 p.m. at approximate coordinates 6°14’40.52″S 105°40’49.48″E (about 9.98 nautical miles from the search reference point).
The five identified journalists M. Bagus Khoirunnas (photojournalist, LKBN ANTARA), Ari/Arie Basuki (journalist, Merdeka), Yudhis/Yudistiro Pranoto (journalist, iNews), Daus/Firman Daus (journalist, Anadolu Agency), Donal (freelance journalist).
The three other people in the group are Warta (boat captain, 55 years old), Surakman (crew member/ABK, 60 years old), Heriyanto (guide, 49 years old).
Search Efforts
A joint SAR team involving Basarnas Banten, Banten Regional Police (Ditpolair), the Indonesian Navy (Lanal Banten), Polairud, and other related units continues the search operation.
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Entering the second day (Wednesday, 9 September 2026), the search area has been expanded and divided into several Search and Rescue Units (SRUs).
Deployed vessels include KN SAR Tetuka, KAL Anyer, RIBs from Basarnas Banten and Lampung, as well as ships from Polairud and Lanal Banten. Thermal drones have also been prepared to assist with aerial searches.
Head of Basarnas Banten Al Amrad stated that the search area was widened after studying the route from Carita to Anak Krakatau.
Previous searches reaching Krakatau Island and Panjang Island yielded no results.
Weather conditions were reported as partly cloudy, with waves of 0.4–1.5 meters and winds around 14 knots, although visibility was occasionally limited due to volcanic ash.
The National Police, through Public Relations Division Head Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir, reaffirmed their commitment to maximizing operational support.
Related media outlets such as ANTARA, Merdeka, and iNews continue coordinating with Basarnas and authorities, expressing hope that all fellow journalists will be found safe soon.
