Search Continues for 5 Journalists Missing Near Mount Anak Krakatau
Indonesian authorities are searching for five journalists and three crew members missing during an assignment near the active Mount Anak Krakatau volcano.
JAKARTA — A massive search operation is underway in the Sunda Strait following the disappearance of five journalists and three crew members who lost contact while attempting to report on the volcanic activity of Mount Anak Krakatau. The group vanished on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, after departing from the Marina Pier in Lippo Carita, Pandeglang Regency, at 2:00 p.m. local time (WIB).
Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR), expressed grave concern regarding the situation on Wednesday. He urged relevant authorities to intensify rescue efforts to locate the missing individuals immediately. “We express our deep concern for our journalist colleagues whose whereabouts remain unknown at this time,” Dasco told reporters at the Parliament Complex in Senayan.
The missing journalists have been identified as Muhammad Bagus Khoirunas of the state news agency Antara, Arie Basuki of Merdeka, Yudis of iNews, Daus of Anadolu Agency, and independent reporter Donal. Accompanying them were three crew members and guides: 55-year-old Warta, 60-year-old Surakhman, and 49-year-old Heriyanto.
Interagency Rescue Coordination
The incident has triggered a coordinated response involving regional Search and Rescue (SAR) teams and national police units. These teams are currently sweeping the waters near the active volcano, which has been a site of significant geological interest due to its frequent eruptions. Dasco confirmed that the legislative body is maintaining close contact with operational agencies to track the progress of the mission.
“We have pushed the relevant agencies and are actively monitoring the efforts being made to ensure that the status of these individuals can be determined as soon as possible,” Dasco stated. He further emphasized the need for a maximum-effort approach, noting that the safety of the media personnel remains a top priority during the high-stakes operation in the maritime environment.
As the search enters its critical phase, the unpredictability of the Sunda Strait’s currents and the potential hazards posed by the nearby volcano present significant challenges for the rescue teams. Despite these difficulties, authorities have maintained a continuous presence in the search area. Dasco concluded his remarks by calling on the public to hope for a positive outcome and the safe return of the group.
