Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - Commander of Regional Military Command XVII/Cenderawasih Major General Yoshua Sembiring confirmed a report of the Indonesian Army's helicopter MI HA-5138 that lost contact while flying from Oksibil, Pegunungan Bintang District's capital, to Jayapura, Papua's capital.

The helicopter, piloted by Captain Aris, carried 11 people and crew members on board.

"How the weather was during that time was not known, but according to a report, the condition was fine. Hence, the helicopter flew to Jayapura," Semibiring informed Antara on Friday.

The helicopter lost contact on Friday at 11:45 a.m. local time, some five to seven minutes after it took off. It had earlier flown from Okbibab to Oksibil.

In addition to Captain Aris, other crew members aboard the missing helicopter are First Lt Bambang (pilot), First Lt Ahwar (co pilot), Chief Sergeant Suriyatna, Second Sergeant Dita, soldier Dwi Purnomo, and soldier Aharul.

Passengers aboard the helicopter were soldiers of Yonif 725/WRG: Ikrar Setya Nainggolan, Yanuarius Loe, Risno, Sujono Kaimuddin, and Tegar Hadi Sentana.

Translator: Evarukdijati, Fardah
Editor: Bambang Purwanto
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