Indonesian police use DNA to identify missing journalists

Authorities in Indonesia are working to identify remains found on Enggano Island following the disappearance of five photojournalists and three speedboat crew members in the Sunda Strait. The victims reportedly went missing on September 7, 2026, while covering the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau.

The Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) team from the Banten Regional Police has transferred antemortem data from the families to the Bengkulu Regional Police to facilitate DNA matching. This data includes fingerprints, dental records, and DNA samples, which will be compared against postmortem data from the recovered bodies.

In response to the tragedy, journalists in Medan held a solidarity event involving prayer, remembrance, and a candlelit vigil to express support for their missing colleagues.