Puan Calls for Intensified Search for Five Journalists Missing in Sunda Strait

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) Puan Maharani, has called for intensified search operations for five journalists, two boat crew members, and a guide who lost contact while traveling to cover Mount Anak Krakatau’s activity in the waters of the Sunda Strait.

“We share the families’ concerns over this incident. The search for the journalists and all members of the group in the waters of the Sunda Strait must be intensified,” Puan said in a written statement on Thursday, September 10, 2026.

The five journalists are M. Bagus Khoirunnas of Antara News Agency, Ari Basuki of Merdeka.com, Yudistiro Pranoto of iNews.id, Firman Daus of Anadolu Agency, and freelance journalist Donal Husni. They departed with a guide and two boat crew members on Monday, September 7, and subsequently lost contact.

A joint SAR team is currently continuing the search operation, which has been expanded to areas near the crater of Mount Anak Krakatau. Puan also expressed support for President Prabowo Subianto’s instruction to Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali to assist in the search for the group.

“The search operation for our media colleagues in the waters of the Sunda Strait can be further intensified with additional personnel and vessels from the Indonesian Navy,” she said.

Puan expressed hope that the joint SAR operation would soon produce results and that all members of the group would be found safe.

“Hopefully, the group of journalists can be found soon in safe condition,” Puan said.

She also urged the government to ensure that the families of those missing receive assistance, including regular updates and support for their psychological needs.

“It is also important for the families to receive assistance from the Government, including guaranteed access to updated information and support for their psychological needs,” Puan said.

According to Puan, the incident demonstrates that civilians are willing to enter high-risk areas to fulfill the public’s need for information. Journalists, guides, and transport crews each play an important role in serving the public interest, including covering disaster-related activities.

She also urged the public to remain vigilant as Mount Anak Krakatau remains active and to comply with all advisories issued by authorities and relevant officials.