Makassar search and rescue chief Muhammad Arif Anwar said the remains were transferred to the Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) unit for medical and forensic examinations to ensure accurate identification.
Rescuers also recovered personal belongings during searches in rugged mountain areas spanning Maros and Pangkajene Kepulauan districts on the fifth day of operations.
Arif said the discoveries followed intensive ground searches by several rescue units working around the aircraft’s fuselage and tail, where debris had previously been located.
On the fifth day, teams found bone fragments and personal items at several locations, all of which were secured in accordance with standard operating procedures, he said.
The remains believed to belong to a third victim were taken to Bhayangkara Police Hospital for further forensic work, while the aircraft’s black box will be handed separately to transportation safety investigators.
Items recovered at the site included laptops, mobile phones, passports, flash drives, eyeglasses, pouches and personal documents scattered near the wreckage and along evacuation routes.
Arif said all recovered belongings were cataloged, secured and will be turned over to the appropriate authorities under established procedures.
The search operation is continuing and involves more than 1,000 personnel from the national rescue agency, the military, police, local governments, volunteers and humanitarian groups, supported by air and ground assets.
He said teams remain committed to conducting the operation professionally and humanely, with the priority on locating all victims and maintaining safety standards in difficult terrain.
So far, two victims have been recovered and identified: flight attendant Florencia Lolita Wibisono and civil servant Deden Maulana.
Their remains have been returned to their families, while identification continues for a third victim.
The Indonesia Air Transport aircraft was carrying 10 people on a Yogyakarta-to-Makassar flight when it lost contact while approaching Hasanuddin International Airport and crashed into Mount Bulusaraung on Jan. 17.
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Translator: M.Darwin F, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
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