Wed Sep 03 08:35:43 UTC 2025: **Headline: Indian National Among Eight Missing in Indonesian Helicopter Crash**
**Jakarta – September 3, 2025 (The Hindu) -** A helicopter carrying eight people, including an Indian national, is feared to have crashed in a mountainous region of South Kalimantan, Indonesia. According to Indonesian media reports, the Estindo Air BK 117 D3 helicopter was observed emitting white smoke and flying at a low altitude shortly before disappearing on Monday.
The helicopter, which lost contact at approximately 8:54 a.m. local time, was en route from Syamsir Alam Airport in Kotabaru district to Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan. Indian national Santha Kumar was among the passengers. Other passengers have been identified as Captain Haryanto (pilot), technician Eng Hendra, and passengers Mark Werren, Yudi Febrian, Andys Rissa Pasulu, Claudine Quito, and Iboy Irfan Rosa.
Eyewitnesses, including a teacher and students, reported seeing the aircraft flying low and emitting smoke in an area beyond its last recorded contact point.
A joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team is conducting air and ground operations to locate the wreckage and any potential survivors. I Putu Sudayana, head of the Banjarmasin Search and Rescue Agency, stated that the team faces challenging terrain, including dense forests and mountainous areas. Initial aerial surveys have been hampered by heavy rain and thick cloud cover. A ground team consisting of 140 personnel from various agencies and local volunteers has also been deployed.
South Kalimantan Governor Muhidin acknowledged the difficulty of the search, emphasizing the vastness of the untouched forest and the challenging weather conditions. Authorities are appealing for prayers for the safe recovery of the passengers and crew. The Hindu will continue to provide updates as the search efforts progress.
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