A joint SAR team has located wreckage of the ATR 42-500 plane that lost contact since Saturday in Taman Nasional Bantimurung-Bulusaraung, Maros Regency, South Sulawesi. The Indonesia Air Transport aircraft carried 11 people, including three Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries employees on a marine resources surveillance mission. The search operation continues in rugged terrain amid challenging weather.
The ATR 42-500 aircraft, registration PK-THT, operated by PT Indonesia Air Transport (IAT), departed Adisutjipto Airport in Yogyakarta at 08:08 WIB on Saturday, January 17, 2026, bound for Sultan Hasanuddin Airport in Makassar. It lost contact around 13:17 WITA near Maros Regency, South Sulawesi, carrying 11 people: eight crew members and three passengers from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP).
The KKP passengers were Ferry Irawan (ship surveillance analyst), Deden Mulyana (state property manager), and Yoga Naufal (aerial photo operator), on a marine resources surveillance mission. The crew was led by Captain Andy Dahananto, IAT's Operations Director, along with Muhammad Farhan Gunawan, Restu Adi, Dwi Murdiono, Florencia Lolita, Esther Aprilita, and one other.
On Sunday, January 18, 2026, a joint SAR team involving Basarnas, Indonesian Air Force, Police, BPBD, and volunteers located wreckage. At 07:46 WITA, a small window fragment was found at coordinates 04°55’48” S – 119°44’52” E. Then, at 07:49 WITA, a large body section, and at 08:02 WITA, another large fragment spotted by a Caracal helicopter. The main fuselage was discovered at 08:09 WITA on the northern side of Bulusaraung Hill peak.
"This discovery of plane wreckage is a key clue in narrowing the search area," said Muhammad Arif Anwar, Head of Basarnas Makassar Office. Basarnas Deputy Edy Prakoso noted evacuation delays due to strong winds and fog. The Air Force deployed five Korpasgat soldiers via H225M Caracal helicopter, while ground teams from Sultan Hasanuddin Air Base joined locals.
Marine Affairs Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono expressed sorrow and prayers for all aboard. The operation involves 476 personnel, requiring mountaineering gear for the rugged terrain. KNKT has begun data collection, though the emergency locator transmitter is suspected to be inactive. The search continues with tactical adjustments.
