August 4, 2026 | 08:40 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A joint search and rescue team in Anambas Islands Regency, Riau Islands Province, deployed a helicopter to expand the search for the KM Samudra Jaya Kelautan, which reportedly lost contact in local waters.
The Head of the Natuna SAR Office, Abdul Rahman, confirmed from Natuna on Tuesday that air support was dispatched on the second day of the operation to expedite sweeping the area where the vessel is suspected to have gone missing.
"The team conducted aerial surveillance across four search points along the Matak–search area–Matak route to support the second day of SAR operations for the KM Samudra Jaya Kelautan," he said.
He explained that the aerial monitoring was carried out using a Sikorsky S-76C++ PK-PUW helicopter owned by PT Medco Energy International Anambas and operated by Pelita Air Service.
According to Rahman, utilizing a helicopter allows for a broader reach, accelerating the search process compared to relying solely on maritime assets.
Alongside the air operation, search efforts continued at sea using the Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) 02 Natuna. However, he added, the SAR team has yet to find any trace of the KM Samudra Jaya Kelautan or the four crew members on board.
Records from the Natuna SAR Office show that the KM Samudra Jaya Kelautan, a 10-gross-ton cargo vessel carrying fish, set sail from Air Sena, Tarempa, bound for Batam on Saturday, August 1. The ship was scheduled to arrive in Batam on Sunday, August 2.
However, after no contact was made by Monday, August 3, the vessel was officially reported missing, prompting the launch of a SAR operation that same day. "The four crew members have been identified as Samsul Bahri (54), Azan (41), Awang (65), and Handay Yadi (40)," he said.
To bolster search efforts, Rahman noted that the Natuna SAR Office sent a coordination telegram to the Tanjungpinang SAR Office and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Putrajaya, Malaysia.
The joint operation involves the Anambas SAR Post, Tarempa Naval Base, the Anambas Islands Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Tarempa Coastal Radio Station (SROP), the Anambas chapter of the All-Indonesian Fishermen's Association (HNSI), and air support from PT Medco Energy International Anambas.
Abdul Rahman stated that weather conditions during the search remained favorable, with southerly winds blowing at around 12 knots, visibility reaching 10 kilometers, and overcast skies.
He emphasized that the search will persist, mobilizing all sea and air capabilities until the whereabouts of the KM Samudra Jaya Kelautan and its crew are determined. "We also urge all fishermen and mariners passing through Anambas waters to immediately report any signs or sightings of the vessel," he said.
Read: What Caused Fatal Mutiara Sentosa 2 Ship Fire Off East Java
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
BGN: Borax in Free Nutritious Meals Violated Guidelines
7 Mei 2026
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) responded to the finding of borax and E. coli in free nutritious meals (MBG) in Anambas after mass food poisoning.
Anambas MBG Food Poisoning: Lab Finds Borax, E. coli
6 Mei 2026
Laboratory tests confirmed borax and E. coli contamination in the Free Nutritious Food (MBG) meals that poisoned 155 people in Anambas.
Panjang and These 8 Other Islands Advertised on Foreign Sites, Gov't Warns of Illegal Sales
25 Juni 2025
Some islands in Indonesia have been offered for sale on foreign websites, stirring debates over ownership regulations and foreign investments.
Indonesian Gov't to Investigate Island Sale in Anambas
25 Juni 2025
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries has been aware of the news of the sale of an island in Anambas at least since Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
Indonesia's KKP Clarifies Status of 4 Anambas Islets Listed for Sale Online
19 Juni 2025
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has addressed the online listing of small islands in the Anambas Regency, Riau Islands.
