Mangindaan stated the Sukhoi Superjet 100 already had a clearance permit from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Air Transportation Department, and Indonesian Air Force headquarters to conduct demonstration flights in Indonesia.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Russia and Indonesia have joined hands to investigate the Sukhoi Superjet 100 plane crash in Mount Salak, West Java, on Wednesday, May 9, 2012.
Indonesia Transportation Minister EE Mangindaan said at a press conference in Halim Perdanakusumah airport, Jakarta, on Friday that the Russian government was keen to assist Indonesia in investigating the tragedy.
"Russia has stated its will to assist the investigation effort. A Russian aircraft will arrive in Jakarta shortly, equipped with devices to investigate the cause of the crash," the minister added.
Mangindaan stated the Sukhoi Superjet 100 already had a clearance permit from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Air Transportation Department, and Indonesian Air Force headquarters to conduct demonstration flights in Indonesia.
"They [Sukhoi aircraft company] had permits from Indonesian authorities to conduct the demo flight, right before the incident took place," he added.
The Russian ambassador to Indonesia, Alexander A Ivanov, supported Mangindaan's statements.
Ivanov said Russia had already set up an investigation team, which would be led by minister of industry and trade Yury Slyusar and include officials from the foreign ministry and the Sukhoi company.
"The Russian team will be cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) in investigating the cause of the plane crash," he added.
Ivanov explained the decision to send an investigation team to the crash site was made by the presidents of Indonesia and Russia.
"Right now, we must find the black box to define the cause of crash," he added.
The Russian envoy also expressed hope that the good relations between Indonesia and Russia would continue to improve. (*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
