Banten Police Set Up Antemortem Post for Missing Journalists

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Banten Police have set up an antemortem identification post to aid in the search for five journalists and three others who went missing while covering Mount Anak Krakatau's activity on Monday, September 7, 2026. The speedboat carrying the group lost contact, prompting a search operation by Banten Police and a joint search and rescue (SAR) team.

The antemortem post was prepared as a precautionary measure to support identification efforts if needed, according to Banten Police Chief Insp. Gen. Hengki, who announced the plan in a written statement on Wednesday, September 9.

Hengki stated that the search efforts, led by the joint SAR team, began on Tuesday after receiving information about the missing group. The focus of the search is currently centered on the Sunda Strait waters, and an aerial search may be considered depending on the progress of the operation and the volcanic activity of Mount Anak Krakatau. Banten Police Medical and Health Division (Dokkes) personnel have also been deployed to aid in the preparation of the antemortem post.

Hengki emphasized the importance of following safety advisories issued by the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) concerning Mount Anak Krakatau's activity. The public has been warned to stay outside the designated exclusion zone, which requires a distance of more than three kilometers from the volcano.

As of now, five journalists – M. Bagus Khoirunnas from Antara News Agency, Ari Basuki from Merdeka.com, Yudhis from iNews, Daus from Anadolu Agency, and freelance journalist Donal – are among the eight missing persons. They departed from Pagedongan Pier in Carita, Pandeglang, Banten, and were last seen in the Sunda Strait off Pandeglang Regency.