Indonesia’s Press Council has described the five journalists who went missing while covering the Anak Krakatau eruption at the Sunda Straits, as “heroes of the press”, highlighting the risks journalists face when reporting from hazardous areas, according to Antara News Agency.
The Missing Crew and Search Operations
The five journalists—Muhammad Bagus Khoirunnas of Antara, Firdaus Wajidi of Anadolu Agency, Ari Basuki of Merdeka.com, Yudistiro Pranoto of iNews, and freelance journalist Donal Husni—were travelling alongside boat crew members Warta and Surakman, and guide Heriyanto. According to the verified sources, all eight individuals have been missing since September 7 after their speedboat lost contact during a reporting assignment to cover volcanic activity in the Sunda Strait.
Following ten days of searching without finding any trace of the missing persons, the joint search and rescue operation was officially called off on September 17. Despite the conclusion of the official joint SAR operation, Indonesian Photojournalists Association (PFI) Chairman Dwi Pambudo stated that photojournalists remain resilient and stand united with the community in conducting independent search efforts, according to Antara News Agency.
Did You Know?
Antara News Agency has dedicated a room at its Banten bureau to photojournalist Muhammad Bagus—who worked with the national news agency in the province for eight years—to preserve his photojournalist works and serve as an educational and creative space for journalists.
Safety Risks and Media Coordination
Speaking after a live-streamed prayer gathering for the missing journalists in Jakarta on Monday, Press Council Chairman Komarudin Hidayat emphasized the immense risks professionals take to deliver visual reporting to the public. He urged media organizations planning assignments in high-risk zones to maintain strict coordination with local authorities and government officials, while also calling on media executives to provide full care and assistance to the victims’ families, according to Antara News Agency.
“We usually enjoy the images but sometimes forget the struggle behind obtaining them,” Komarudin said after the gathering, noting that tragedies remind the public just how costly and difficult it can be to secure the best shots. Reflecting on the uncertainty faced by the families, he added, “We pray that they return. We still need them, and at this stage of life, we still want them to continue.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the missing journalists?
The missing journalists are Muhammad Bagus Khoirunnas (Antara), Firdaus Wajidi (Anadolu Agency), Ari Basuki (Merdeka.com), Yudistiro Pranoto (iNews), and freelance journalist Donal Husni, alongside crew members Warta and Surakman, and guide Heriyanto.
When did the vessel lose contact?
The speedboat lost contact on September 7 while the group was on a reporting assignment to cover volcanic activity near Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait.
What is the current status of the search efforts?
The joint search and rescue operation was officially called off on September 17 after 10 days without finding any trace of the missing individuals, though members of the Indonesian Photojournalists Association have continued independent search efforts.
How will media organizations change their approach to hazardous field reporting following this incident?
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