September 18, 2026 | 11:39 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The search for eight people, including five journalists, who went missing in the Sunda Strait off Pandeglang, Banten, while covering the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau has officially ended after 10 days.
But why did authorities stop the search, and could the operation resume?
The joint search and rescue (SAR) operation was extended by three days after the initial search period ended. However, authorities said the extended operation produced no significant signs of the missing Arupadhatu 1 speedboat or the eight people aboard.
Here is what to know about the decision to end the search.
Why Was the Search Stopped?
The search was called off because the joint SAR team did not find confirmed signs of the speedboat, its passengers or its crew during 10 days of operations.
Banten Governor Andra Soni said the team had searched from the first day through the three-day extension but found no evidence that could establish the whereabouts of the vessel or the people aboard.
“From the first day of this joint search and rescue operation through the 10th day, after the three-day extension, no signs of the vessel or the passengers or crew aboard were found,” Andra said in a video received by Tempo on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
What Did the SAR Team Find?
The search team found 13 objects or pieces of material during the operation. They included life jackets, a tarp, a helmet and a water container.
The objects were examined by the Banten Police's Water and Air Police Directorate. Authorities later determined that they were not related to the Arupadhatu 1 or the missing group.
The absence of confirmed evidence meant that the search team had no new lead pointing to the location of the vessel or the eight people.
Is the Search Completely Over?
Although the formal SAR operation has ended, authorities will continue monitoring the Sunda Strait for possible new information.
Head of the Banten Search and Rescue Agency Al Amrad said information from fishermen or local residents about possible findings would be followed up. Authorities will also continue disseminating information through the vessel traffic service (VTS) and conducting water police patrols in the Sunda Strait.
“If there is further information or any signs, the SAR operation will be reopened,” Al Amrad said.
This means the formal operation has ended, but authorities could resume the search if credible new information or signs of the missing group emerge.
Who Are the Missing People?
The group consists of five journalists, two boat crew members and a guide.
The journalists are M. Bagus Khoirunnas of Antara, Ari Basuki of Merdeka.com, Yudhis of iNews, Daus of Anadolu and freelance journalist Donal.
The two crew members are captain Warta, 55, and Surakman, 60. The group's guide is Heriyanto, 49.
When Did They Go Missing?
The group departed from Pagedongan Pier in Carita, Pandeglang, at around 2 p.m. local time on Monday, September 7, aboard the Arupadhatu 1 speedboat.
They were traveling to cover the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau.
Banten Police Public Relations Head Senior Commissioner Maruli Ahiles Hutapea said the last communication came at around 2:42 p.m., when one member of the group sent their latest location to a colleague.
“By around 3:04 p.m., communication with the group of journalists could no longer be established,” Maruli said on Tuesday evening, September 8.
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