Indonesia launches safety reforms after journalists vanish on volcano mission

On Sept. 7, a team of eight journalists and boat personnel set out to document volcanic activity but their vessel went silent, prompting President Prabowo Subianto to order an immediate naval search that concluded on Sept. 17 without locating the group. The disappearance drew sympathy from Indonesian leaders, the Russian and Saudi ambassadors, and the Press Council, which labeled the missing reporters as press heroes and urged pre-assignment coordination with local authorities.

In response, ANTARA inaugurated a memorial meeting room for the late Muhammad Bagus Khoirunnas and, weeks later, held a "Basic Field Safety Training for Journalists" workshop in Jakarta, featuring presentations on risk assessment, equipment, and communication with police and rescue services. Union leaders called for standardized safety protocols, higher insurance, and a dedicated trauma unit for media staff. Participants praised the training as a needed step toward institutionalizing journalist protection in hazardous assignments.