Basarnas Deputy for Operations and Preparedness Edy Prakoso said Tuesday the helicopter was carrying eight people, both Indonesian and foreign nationals, when it lost contact shortly after taking off from Kotabaru Airport on Monday. The flight was bound for Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan.
The passengers were identified as Capt. Haryanto (pilot), Eng. Hendra, Mark Werren, Yudi Febrian, Andys Rissa Pasulu, Santha Kumar, Claudine Quito, and Iboy Irfan Rosa.
"Our thoughts are with the victims' families and loved ones," Prakoso said.
The BK117 D3 helicopter departed Kotabaru at 8:46 a.m. local time (WITA/GMT+8) and was scheduled to arrive in Palangka Raya at 10:15 a.m. It lost contact at 8:54 a.m. near the Mandin Damar Waterfall, according to its last recorded position.
Basarnas has mobilized joint teams from its Banjarmasin and Palangka Raya offices, along with personnel from the military, police, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Indonesian Red Cross, the fire department, and local volunteers.
The search operation involves both ground and aerial routes, supported by thermal drones to detect body heat. A Central Kalimantan police AW169 helicopter attempted an aerial sweep but was forced to turn back due to poor weather, later landing safely at Syamsudin Noor Airport before rejoining the mission.
Additional support has come from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency's (BNPB) Bell 505 helicopter, which is surveying a 78.5-nautical-mile sector, while ground teams are combing a 15-nautical-mile radius.
"We hope all victims can be located soon. We ask the public for their prayers," Prakoso said.
Civilian search and rescue groups, including student organizations and local rescue teams, have also joined the effort. Heavy rain and rugged terrain are hampering access to the suspected crash site, which can only be reached on foot.
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Translator: M.Riezko BEP, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Anton Santoso
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