Kapolda of Banten, Irjen Pol Hengki.

progresifjaya.co.id, SERANG – The Polda of Banten have set up an antemortem post, staffed by the Medical and Health Division (Dokkes), as a measure of preparedness should it be needed for the identification process following the search operation for five journalists who lost contact while covering Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait, Pandeglang. The five journalists had set out with three other crew members, all of whom are also missing.

“We have prepared an antemortem post as a form of readiness to support the identification process if required,” said Kapolda of Banten, Irjen Pol Hengki in Pandeglang, as cited by Antara on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

Nevertheless, he added, the joint search and rescue (SAR) team—comprising the Polri, the TNI, and the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas)—is currently continuing its efforts to locate the group of journalists.

“Since receiving the information on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, the team has been conducting a search. Operations have continued from yesterday through today, with Basarnas, the Polda, the Water and Air Police (Polairud), the Naval Base (Lanal), the TNI, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and other relevant agencies working together on the search,” said Irjen Pol Hengki.

He further emphasized, that the safety of the personnel involved in the search operation remains a top priority. His team also aims to ensure the readiness of the equipment, infrastructure, and human resources deployed for the operation.

“We will work hard to find our colleagues who remain missing. However, the safety of the entire joint search team must also be a priority,” he explained.

Additionally, he reminded the public and users of maritime transport to always heed advisories from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) regarding the activity of Mount Anak Krakatau. The public is urged not to approach the mountain area within the established exclusion radius.

“The volcanology agency has issued warnings since the eruption intensified. Approaching within a three-kilometer radius is prohibited; one must remain more than three kilometers away from Mount Anak Krakatau,” added Irjen Pol Hengki.

As previously reported, five journalists lost contact while covering the activity of Mount Anak Krakatau (GAK) in the waters of the Sunda Strait, Pandeglang Regency, Banten, on Monday, September 7, 2026.

They had set out alongside three other crew members, who also went missing. The search for the eight individuals—who were aboard a single speedboat to cover the volcano’s activity—is continuing today.

On this second day, a search team comprising Basarnas Banten, Basarnas Lampung, the Polda of Banten Water and Air Police Unit (Polairud), the Polri Headquarters, and other agencies will sweep the areas where the five journalists are strongly believed to be located. (Bembo)