Search Continues for 5 Journalists Missing Near Anak Krakatau
A search operation is underway in the Sunda Strait after a speedboat carrying five journalists went missing while covering volcanic activity.
PANDEGLANG, Indonesia — A massive search and rescue operation is underway in the Sunda Strait after a speedboat carrying five journalists lost contact on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026. The group had departed from the Pagedongan Pier in Carita, Banten province, heading toward the Anak Krakatau volcano to document its recent eruptive activity.
As of Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) continues to comb the waters surrounding the volatile volcanic island. The search area has been significantly expanded to include remote islets and smaller, informal docking points that may have provided shelter for the vessel during the journey.
The missing journalists, representing various national media outlets, were identified by officials following reports from the Banten Search and Rescue Office. Among those confirmed to be on board are M. Bagus Khoirunnas, a photojournalist for the Indonesian national news agency Antara; Ari Basuki, a reporter for the digital news portal Merdeka; Yudistiro Pranoto, a journalist with iNews; and Firdaus Wajidi, a reporter for Anadolu Agency. A fifth individual, initially identified as a journalist, remains under confirmation as part of the broader search mission.
Expanding Search Operations
The disappearance has triggered an urgent mobilization of maritime search assets. Rescue teams are navigating difficult conditions in the Sunda Strait, an area known for strong currents and unpredictable seismic activity related to the Anak Krakatau volcano. Officials from the Banten Search and Rescue Office are currently working to narrow down the boat's last known trajectory, focusing on potential locations where the craft might have sought refuge.
The uncertainty surrounding the group has drawn significant concern from both the Indonesian press corps and the families of those missing. The operation remains at high intensity, with specialized units coordinating search patterns to cover the stretch of sea between the Banten coast and the volcano. Local authorities have promised continuous updates as field teams report new findings from the search zone.
