Indonesian authorities have initiated a large-scale search operation for a missing turboprop aircraft. Contact with the plane was lost on Saturday, officials confirmed. The aircraft carried ten people in total.
Flight Details and Missing Contact
The plane departed from Yogyakarta. It was heading to Makassar in South Sulawesi. Communication ceased shortly after 1 pm local time, according to rescue officials.
Passengers and Crew on Board
Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono stated three employees from his ministry were on the flight. The airline reported seven crew members were also aboard. The mission involved aerial monitoring of marine resources.
Search Efforts Underway
Muhammad Arif Anwar, head of the local search and rescue agency, said teams deployed to a mountainous area in Maros Regency. This region borders Makassar and is near the plane's last known position.
The search involves ground personnel and aerial assets. A helicopter and drones are participating. The air force, police, and local volunteers provide support.
Andi Sultan, operations chief at the Makassar search and rescue agency, noted multiple agencies are coordinating the operation. Efforts are concentrated in the challenging terrain.
Manufacturer and Safety Context
Aircraft manufacturer ATR confirmed it received notification of an accident involving one of its planes. The company issued a statement saying ATR specialists are fully engaged to support the investigation led by Indonesian authorities and the operator.
Indonesia is an archipelago with over 17,000 islands. The nation relies heavily on air travel to connect remote regions. The country has faced repeated aviation safety challenges in recent years.
This includes fatal helicopter crashes in South Kalimantan and Papua during 2024. The current incident adds to concerns about transportation safety in the region.
