"We will first focus on finding the passengers and crew of the aircraft," the president said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo has ordered the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) to hold joint search operations with the focus on tracking down the passengers of the missing AirAsia QZ8501 flight.
"We will first focus on finding the passengers and crew of the aircraft," the president said in a press statement at Juanda Airport in Sidoarjo, East Java province, on Tuesday evening.
Jokowi stated that he had inspected the assumed crash location from the C-130 Hercules aircraft. He added the location was foggy and that there were strong waves.
According to the president, three Indonesian ships are on standby at the site and several others are on their way to locate more debris of QZ8501.
Jokowi further noted that several ships and helicopters will hold massive search operations on Wednesday morning (December 31), as well.
"I have ordered the Basarnas to hold joint operations to find the fuselage, as well as the passengers and crew members," Jokowi affirmed.
He also expressed his appreciation of the SAR agency, the Indonesian Military, the Indonesian Police, volunteers, as well as fishermen, for their support.
Jokowi also appreciated the assistance from neighboring countries, including Singapore, Malaysia and Australia.
"We pray that the families of all victims are given the patience and strength required to face the incident," he remarked.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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