The discovery is a key clue that helps focus operations, with teams securing the site, logging findings and adjusting tactics to rugged terrain, Makassar Basarnas chief Muhammad Arif Anwar said.
Field movement data showed that at 7:46 a.m. local time, teams found small debris, including a window fragment, at coordinates 04°55’48” south and 119°44’52” east.
The location lies within Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park in Maros District, authorities said.
About three minutes later, at 7:49 a.m., teams found a large section of the aircraft’s fuselage, detected by both air and ground search units.
Information from the site indicated parts of the aircraft had broken open, with the tail section located on the southern lower slope of the area.
As findings developed, SAR units continued to adjust movements, shifting search-and-rescue units toward priority points, the SAR mission coordinator said.
At 8:02 a.m., additional large debris was spotted by an advance SAR unit during aerial monitoring using a Caracal helicopter.
By 8:11 a.m., the advance team requested additional equipment, including mountaineering or climbing gear, to access steep and hazardous terrain.
The incident site is challenging, with several points located on slopes requiring specialised equipment, the coordinator said.
Personnel safety remains the top priority as operations continue under difficult field conditions, he added.
The SAR operation involves Basarnas Makassar, the military, police, AirNav Indonesia, air force special forces and support from local communities.
Search efforts are ongoing, and further updates will be released officially based on verified field results, authorities said.
The aircraft was carrying 11 people, consisting of eight crew members and three passengers, according to SAR data.
The crew were Captain Andy Dahananto; first officer Yudha Mahardika; Sukardi; Hariadi; Franky D. Tanamal; Junaidi; and flight attendants Florencia Lolita and Esther Aprilita S.
The three passengers were identified as Ferry Irawan, Deden Mulyana and Yoga Naufal.
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Translator: M.Darwin F, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
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