TNI Explains the Findings of the ATR 42-500 Aircraft Debris on Mount Bulusaraung

JAKARTA - The Head of the TNI AD Information Service (Kadispenad) Brigadier General Donny Pramono explained the moment when TNI AD personnel who were part of the SAR team found an ATR 42-500 aircraft engine in the Gunung Bulusaraung area, Pangkep Regency, South Sulawesi (South Sulawesi).

Donny explained that the engine was found on Sunday, January 18. According to him, initially the SAR team, which was mostly TNI AD personnel, traced the foot of the mountain to look for traces of the plane which was estimated to have fallen in that location.

During the search, Donny said the personnel were blocked by the weather and the terrain which was quite extreme on the mountain.

"Since this morning, the operation has been carried out in the midst of strong winds ranging from 20-22 knots, limited visibility up to 5 meters, thick fog that has fallen since 08.30 WITA, accompanied by rain in the afternoon," said Donny in an official press release, Monday, quoted by Antara.

However, the TNI AD personnel consisting of Kodam XIV/Hasanuddin and the 3rd Infantry Division of Kostrad still walked through the steep terrain and extreme weather to find traces of the aircraft debris.

In the process of searching for the plane, Donny said the TNI AD personnel were equipped with various advanced technologies.

"We deployed drones, Night Vision Goggle (NVG), GPS, Starlink communication systems, tactical radios, tactical vehicles, trail motorcycles, to special equipment such as electric saws and mountaineering tools," explained Donny.

After searching, at 08.37 WITA, the joint SAR team found two main parts of the plane around the location. Personnel also immediately used the Starlink communication system at the location to speed up reporting and coordination.

"The search continued until the afternoon with the discovery of the aircraft engine, various important debris, and the aircraft's Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) at 19.04 WITA," said Donny.

Not only debris and aircraft engines, the joint officers also found one part of the victim's body of male gender around the tail of the aircraft.

"The evacuation was carried out gradually through land routes by prioritizing the safety of personnel, given the steep terrain and the ever-changing weather conditions," explained Donny.

Donny ensured that the entire evacuation process went safely and according to the applicable procedures.

With this success, Donny ensured that the commitment of the Indonesian Army as strong in serving the community through humanitarian missions and military operations other than war (OMSP)