Prabowo Orders Navy Search for Missing Journalists, Crew Off Anak Krakatau

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the Indonesian Navy to conduct a search for five journalists and three crew members who have gone missing while covering the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. According to Presidential Spokesperson Teddy Indra Wijaya, the instruction was issued immediately after the President received a report of the group's disappearance on Monday evening. President Prabowo promptly ordered the Chief of Staff of the Navy to deploy search forces without delay. In a statement released on Thursday, Teddy stated that the Navy immediately dispatched 11 joint vessels to the area where the group was last believed to be. The search operation involves vessels such as KRI Leuser-924, KRI Kerambit-627, KRI Lepu-861, KAL Anyer 1-3-64, KAL Pohawang I-3-30, RBB Peucang Lanal Banten, RHIB SAR 02 Banten, RHIB SAR 02 Lampung, KN SAR Tetuka-247, KN SAR Basudewa-224, and KP Sanjaya-7017. The operation is being carried out with the involvement of various elements to find all members of the group who are still reported missing. Teddy conveyed his prayers for the safety of everyone involved. Background: Indonesia is situated on the seismically active "Ring of Fire," and Anak Krakatau, a relatively young volcano, emerged from the 1883 Krakatoa eruption. The region has a history of volcanic activity and associated hazards, including tsunamis. Covering eruptions presents vital news opportunities for local media, but ensuring the safety of journalists in such volatile environments remains a significant challenge.