"Do not spread incorrect information on social media because it can harm other parties. It is better for us to be patient (while) waiting for official information from the competent institutions (or authorities)," Head of Riau Islands BPBD Muhammad Hasbi stated here on Saturday.
Hasbi said officers from Natuna BPBD helped collect the object. The object reportedly lay strewn at the beach after being washed away by the current.
He noted that the Riau Islands BPBD had yet to receive information on whether the object is an airplane debris or even the origin or type.
"Currently, the ocean waves are high, and the underwater currents are also strong, so stuff can be carried to the Natuna waters," Hasbi explained.
After the discovery, the police patrolled the beach around Air Danau Sejuba, Sepempang Village, Natuna, and found no similar things. Some residents assumed that the piece belonged to a crashed aircraft.
"(The size of the piece) is approximately two meters by two meters," Natuna Police Chief, Superintendent Iwan Ariyandhy, noted.
Ariyandhy remarked that the object had been handed over to the Air Force for further investigation.
"We know that Natuna is currently in the northern wind season when the weather conditions are quite extreme. This morning, the public reported to the police that there was a finding. We are still coordinating with the Air Force Base whether this is an aircraft debris or something else," he stated.
He spoke of having received the report at 8:15 a.m. local time and was looking forward to handing over the object to authorities for research or investigation.
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Translator: Nikolas P, Kenzu
Editor: Sri Haryati
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