Banten Police Set Up Antemortem Post for Missing Journalists

September 9, 2026 | 03:30 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Banten Police have prepared an antemortem identification post as part of the search operation for five journalists who lost contact while covering the activity of Mount Anak Krakatau. The five journalists and three other people went missing after traveling by speedboat on Monday, September 7, 2026.

Banten Police Chief Insp. Gen. Hengki said the antemortem post was prepared to support identification efforts if needed.

"We have prepared an antemortem post as a precautionary measure to support the identification process if necessary," Hengki said in a written statement on Wednesday, September 9.

According to Hengki, Banten Police personnel and a joint SAR team launched a search after receiving information about the missing group on Tuesday. The integrated team immediately began search efforts, and the SAR operation remained ongoing as of Wednesday.

Search Focuses on Sunda Strait Waters

Hengki said the search was currently focused on the sea. An aerial search may be considered depending on developments in the operation and the volcanic activity of Mount Anak Krakatau.

The police have also deployed personnel from the Banten Police Medical and Health Division (Dokkes) to prepare the antemortem post as part of efforts to support identification if required.

Hengki urged residents and marine transportation users to follow safety advisories issued by the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) concerning Mount Anak Krakatau's activity.

The public has been advised to stay outside the designated exclusion zone around the volcano.

"Volcanology authorities have advised people since the eruption intensified not to approach within a three-kilometer radius. They must stay more than three kilometers away from Mount Anak Krakatau," Hengki said.

Five Journalists Among Eight Missing

The five journalists were identified as M. Bagus Khoirunnas of Antara News Agency; Ari Basuki of Merdeka.com; Yudhis of iNews; Daus of Anadolu Agency; and freelance journalist Donal.

They departed from Pagedongan Pier in Carita, Pandeglang, Banten. The group is believed to have last been located in the waters of the Sunda Strait off Pandeglang Regency.

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