The deployment aims to reinforce search efforts after a boat carrying the media team lost contact while covering volcanic activity in the area on Monday (September 7).
According to an official Indonesian Navy statement released Wednesday, the military dispatched the KRI Leuser-924, KRI Kerambit-627, and KRI Lepu-861 to expand the search radius across the heavily trafficked maritime corridor.
"Three warships have been deployed to reinforce the search operation and expand the sweep area in the waters of the Sunda Strait," the Navy announced, noting that the deployment aims to maximize coverage in challenging sea conditions.
The missing journalists have been identified as ANTARA photojournalist M. Bagus Khoirunnas, Arie Basuki (Merdeka), Yudhistira (iNews), Daus (Anadolu Agency), and freelance photographer Donal Husni.
Authorities are currently verifying the identities of the remaining two individuals on board.
In addition to the warships, the Navy has mobilized smaller naval patrol boats through the Lampung Naval Base and Banten Naval Base to sweep shallow waters and coastal sectors.
"All involved units are conducting a coordinated search by sweeping through designated sectors," the Navy expressed hope that the missing team will be located swiftly.
Banten Regional Police Chief Inspector General Hengki joined joint SAR operations at the National SAR Command Post in Pandeglang on Wednesday to oversee the emergency response.
"The entire deployed team must ensure readiness and exert maximum effort within this integrated SAR team," Hengki said, instructing responders to prioritize victim safety while maintaining operational readiness amid volcanic activity.
Emergency teams continue to monitor the designated search sectors across the Sunda Strait.
Related news: ANTARA journalist among 7 missing in Sunda Strait as search continues
Related news: ANTARA, joint team search for missing Krakatau photojournalists
Translator: Walda Marison, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2026
