Basarnas Chief Air Vice Marshal Mohammad Syafii said during a press conference on Thursday that the search window aligns with International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) guidelines.
On the third day of operations, joint search forces intensified efforts across agencies.
"We are continuing the operation. Referring to the IAMSAR guidelines, this operation will be carried out consecutively for seven days. And on the seventh day, we will hold an evaluation meeting involving all parties," Syafii explained.
He noted that the maritime search zone expanded to six sectors, up from three on the first day and five on the second day.
To expedite operations, the joint team deployed 11 major vessels from the Indonesian Navy, Maritime Police (Polairud), Basarnas, and supporting agencies.
"This force is supported by over 300 core personnel on standby at the command post and in the field," Syafii added.
He emphasized the government's commitment to maximizing search efforts under Law Number 29 of 2014 concerning Search and Rescue.
"We sincerely hope to locate and rescue the missing persons as soon as possible and ensure their safety. The government is giving priority to their prompt discovery and evacuation," he remarked.
The journalists departed aboard a speedboat from Pagedongan Port in Carita, Pandeglang District, on Sept. 7 at 2:00 p.m. local time to cover volcanic activity at Mount Anak Krakatau.
One journalist transmitted a final location ping at 2:42 p.m., before all communication with the vessel ceased at 3:04 p.m. Their whereabouts have remained unknown since then.
The joint SAR team subsequently established a search grid surrounding the coordinates of the final transmission.
The five missing journalists were identified as M. Bagus Khoirunnas of ANTARA, Ari Basuki of Merdeka, Yudhis of iNews, Daus of Anadolu Agency, and freelance journalist Donal. Three crew members were also on board.
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Translator: Azmi Syamsul M, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Arie Novarina
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