"On the fourth day, we continue to search for the helicopter, either by air or on ground," Deputy of Public Relations and Media Department (Wakapendam) XVII Cendrawasih Lieutenant Colonel Infantry Dax Sianturi stated at Sentani District on Monday.
Lieutenant Colonel Inf Dax Sianturi confirmed that the Indonesian Army had dispatched two 412 Bell Helicopters and a 206 Bell Helicopter to search for its MI-17 Helicopter.
The Indonesian Army also deployed a CN235 aircraft to bring logistics to the forces searching for the missing helicopter.
"Earlier, this morning, it was reported that one 206 Bell Helicopter had conducted sweeping aerial operations, but it was unable to find the missing helicopter," he stated.
He noted that the 412 Bell Helicopter will continue to look for the missing helicopter.
"Hence, now, we will arrange the flight to search for the missing helicopter," Sianturi remarked.
The Indonesian Army has focused on searches at a radius of 6-30 from the last point of contact.
The MI-17 helicopter, owned by the Army, reportedly lost contact since Friday (June 28) at around 11:49 WIT.
The MI-17 helicopter, bearing registration number HA-5138, was carrying onboard 12 passengers and crew members, who had earlier flown to Okbibab to deliver logistics to soldiers serving in the area.
The crew members aboard the helicopter were pilots CPN Captain Aris and CPN Lieutenant Bambang, co-pilot First Lieutenant CPN Ahwar, Head Sergeant Suriyatna, Sergeant Dita, Head Private Dwi Purnomo, and Private Aharul.
The passengers, who were members of the Battalion 725/WRG, comprised Second Sergeant Ikrar Setya Nainggolan, Private Yanuarius Loe, Private Risno, Second Private Sujono Kaimuddin, and Second Private Tegar Hadi Sentana.
Related news: Joint SAR team, locals continue land-based search for MI-17 helicopter
Translator: Musa / Azis Kurmala
Editor: Suharto
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