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Jakarta, Indonesia — January 17, 2026: A regional passenger aircraft carrying 11 people went missing in Indonesia on Saturday, prompting an urgent search and rescue operation.
The turboprop ATR 42-500, operated by Indonesia Air Transport, lost contact with air traffic control while approaching a mountainous region between Java and Sulawesi islands. The flight was en route from Yogyakarta to the capital city of South Sulawesi.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Authorities deployed multiple search and rescue teams, supported by air force helicopters, drones, and ground units, to locate the aircraft. Rescue teams are focusing their efforts around Mount Bulusaraung in the Leang-Leang area of Maros, a steep and challenging terrain in South Sulawesi.
Hikers in the area reported finding scattered debris, including a piece marked with the airline’s logo. Small fires were also observed, raising hopes of locating the wreckage.
Major General Bangun Nawoko, South Sulawesi’s Hasanuddin military commander, confirmed that authorities are verifying the reports while rescue teams attempt to reach the site.
Flight Details
The aircraft had eight crew members and three passengers from the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry onboard. It reportedly deviated from its approach to Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, shortly after receiving instructions from air traffic control. Radio contact was lost at 01:17 PM local time (05:17 GMT), leading controllers to declare an emergency distress phase.
Challenges in the Rescue Operation
Weather conditions at the time of disappearance included clouds and roughly 8 km (5 miles) of visibility. The steep terrain at Bulusaraung National Park, which spans Maros and Pangkep districts, has made search efforts difficult.
Officials continue to coordinate the operation and have urged locals to report any additional debris or signs of the aircraft.
Authorities remain hopeful that rescue teams will locate the plane and its passengers soon.
