Head of the Banjarmasin SAR Office, I Putu Sudayana, stated in Banjarbaru on Wednesday that two helicopters were initially available, with three additional aircraft deployed on the third day to intensify aerial search efforts.
The five helicopters include: one from the Water Police Directorate at the National Police Headquarters, one Puma helicopter from the Indonesian Air Force, one from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), and two operated by Eastindo Air.
“Eastindo’s helicopter conducted operations this morning from 6:50 to 8:50 a.m. Central Indonesian Time (UTC+8), but no findings were reported,” Putu said.
A subsequent search using the Water Police Directorate’s helicopter was halted due to adverse weather conditions and rainfall just as the aircraft was preparing to sweep the area.
“We’re awaiting updated weather forecasts from BMKG to ensure the safety of the SAR team during operations,” Putu added.
In line with standard procedures, the SAR team has declared a seven-day emergency response period starting from the date the helicopter was reported missing—Monday, September 1.
The BK117 D3 helicopter, operated by Eastindo Air, lost contact while flying over Mentewe, Tanah Bumbu, South Kalimantan, at approximately 8:54 a.m. UTC+8 on Monday.
The aircraft was carrying eight individuals: one pilot, one engineer, and six passengers—Captain Haryanto, Eng Hendra, Mark Werren, Yudi Febrian, Andys Rissa Pasulu, Santha Kumar, Claudine Quito, and Iboy Irfan Rosa.
The helicopter was en route from Syamsir Alam Airport in Kotabaru, South Kalimantan, to Palangka Raya Airport in Central Kalimantan, with an estimated arrival time of 10:15 a.m. local time. It departed at approximately 8:46 a.m.
Its last recorded contact occurred at 8:54 a.m., before losing communication with AirNav offices in Kotabaru, Banjarmasin, Balikpapan, and Palangka Raya. The loss of contact was officially reported at 12:02 p.m.
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Translator: Tumpal Andani Aritonang, Aditya Eko Sigit Wicakson
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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