Sat Jan 17 17:40:55 UTC 2026: # Indonesian Fisheries Ministry Plane Missing; Search and Rescue Underway

The Story: Indonesian authorities are conducting a search and rescue operation for a plane carrying three employees of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, along with at least seven crew members. Contact with the ATR 42-500 aircraft, operated by Indonesia Air Transport, was lost around 1:30 pm (0530 GMT) on Saturday near the Maros region in South Sulawesi province, while en route to Makassar from Yogyakarta Province. The aircraft had been chartered by the ministry.

Key Points:

  • The plane lost contact with air traffic control around 1:30 pm (0530 GMT) on Saturday.
  • The aircraft was an ATR 42-500, operated by Indonesia Air Transport.
  • The plane was carrying three employees of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and at least seven crew members.
  • The aircraft was en route to Makassar from Yogyakarta Province.
  • The search and rescue operation is focused near Mount Bulusaraung, but is hampered by bad weather.
  • Around 400 personnel, including military and police units, have been deployed to search for the plane.
  • The aircraft was flying eastward over the Java Sea at about 11,000 feet before rapidly losing altitude.
  • Indonesia has a poor aviation safety record.

Key Takeaways:

  • The disappearance of the plane raises serious concerns about aviation safety standards and practices in Indonesia.
  • The involvement of government employees underscores the potential impact on ministry operations and ongoing projects.
  • The challenging terrain and weather conditions are complicating the search and rescue efforts, potentially impacting the chances of a positive outcome.
  • The incident highlights the importance of robust maintenance and operational protocols for regional turboprop aircraft.
  • Further investigation will be crucial to determine the cause of the incident and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

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