Tangerang (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) was reluctant to answer questions regarding the sanctions that will be given to the airline over the crash of Lion Air plane in Karawang waters.

"I do not want to talk about it. Now we are focused on finding the fuselage and the victims," he stated, while holding a press conference at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, on Monday.

He noted that the search for the fuselage and the victims has been carried out for 24 hours.

So, there is no discussion on the sanctions to the airline on this matter, because the government is focusing on handling victims and their families who are now waiting to hear from the search process.

"The point is to focus on search first. After that, there will be further discussion. Tonight, the search will continue," he explained.

Likewise, regarding the cause of the plane crash, Jokowi did not want to discuss why it was necessary to find out the black box.

"If you have found the fuselage and the victims and the black box, then everything can be announced and further discussion can be held," he elaborated.

The B737-8 Max aircraft type, with Flight Number JT 610 and belonging to the Lion Air operator, was flying from Soekarno Hatta Airport Banten to Depati Amir Airport in Pangkal Pinang when it lost contact over Karawang waters.

The aircraft, with PK-LQP registration number, was reported last caught on radar at coordinates 05 46.15 S - 107 07:16 E. The aircraft departed at 06.10 WIB and was on schedule to arrive in Pangkal Pinang at 07.10 WIB. The pilot had asked to return to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

The aircraft was recorded to be carrying 189 passengers, including 178 adult passengers, 1 child passenger, and 2 babies, along with 2 pilots and 5 crew members.

Reporting by Mulyana dan Ahmad Irfan
Editing by Eliswan

Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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