“The search area includes the Bantimurung limestone mountains in Leang-Leang Village, Maros District. A National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) post has been established near the location,” said Lukman F. Laisa, a ministry official, in Jakarta on Saturday.
On Saturday (January 17), the ministry’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation received an initial report regarding the loss of contact with the ATR 42-500 aircraft, registered PK-THT, operated by Indonesia Air Transport (IAT) under Air Operator Certificate (AOC) 034.
The aircraft, manufactured in 2000 with serial number 611, was en route from Yogyakarta to Makassar, with Captain Andy Dahananto serving as pilot in command.
“Based on the latest chronological information, at 04:23 UTC, the aircraft was instructed by the Makassar Area Terminal Service Center (MATSC) air traffic control to approach Runway 21 at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport in Makassar,” Laisa said.
During the approach, air traffic controllers identified that the aircraft was not on the correct approach path and subsequently instructed the crew to adjust its position.
“ATC issued several additional instructions to return the aircraft to the proper landing path in accordance with procedures,” Laisa said, adding that communication with the aircraft was lost after the final instruction was transmitted.
Following the incident, air traffic control declared a Distress Phase (DETRESFA) in accordance with applicable regulations and procedures.
AirNav Indonesia’s MATSC branch coordinated with the Basarnas Rescue Coordination Center and the Maros Police, while Sultan Hasanuddin Airport in Makassar established a Crisis Center at the departure terminal to coordinate information and support search and rescue operations.
AirNav Indonesia is also preparing to issue a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) related to the ongoing search and rescue activities.
“The number of persons on board (POB) the aircraft is reported to be 10, consisting of seven crew members and three passengers,” Laisa said.
Preliminary information indicates that weather conditions at the time included visibility of approximately eight kilometers, with partly cloudy skies.
“Further details are still being coordinated with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG),” he added.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation continues to coordinate closely through the Makassar Region V Airport Authority Office with AirNav Indonesia, Basarnas, the aircraft operator, and the Indonesian Air Force.
The directorate said it will provide regular updates as official information becomes available.
Related news: Indonesia plans six aircraft maintenance hubs in strategic regions
Related news: AirNav Indonesia, FAA partner to enhance flight safety
Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: M Razi Rahman
Copyright © ANTARA 2026
