JAKARTA - Minister of Transportation (Menhub) Dudy Purwagandhi flew to South Sulawesi and directly reviewed the search and evacuation operations of the ATR 42-500 aircraft that crashed in the mountainous area of Mount Bulusaraung.
The visit was carried out through the Alternative Main Route (AJU) SAR Post in Tompo Bulu Village, Balocci District, Pangkep Regency.
This post is the closest command point to the location of the discovery of the aircraft debris operated by Indonesia Air Transport (IAT).
Minister of Transportation Dudy ensured that all official information on the search progress would be channeled through Basarnas.
"Technically, this search is entirely the responsibility of Basarnas as the leading sector. Basarnas has worked and coordinated well, with the assistance of the Regional Government, TNI, Polri, and all related parties. We appreciate and thank the collaboration from all parties," said Dudy in an official statement, Monday, February 19.
Dudy also conveyed appreciation and moral support for thousands of SAR personnel and volunteers who struggled in the field facing steep terrain and extreme weather. According to him, during the two days of operations, significant progress has been seen.
"We have been conducting search operations for two days and many advances have been made by friends in the field. Once again, thank you for your solid cooperation. This shows that the state is really present in order to serve the community to find the victims," he said.
He emphasized that the officers still prioritize safety, comply with the search procedures set by Basarnas, and avoid the potential for an increase in casualties in the midst of the ongoing operation.
Meanwhile, the Head of Basarnas, Major General M. Syafi'i, emphasized that the SAR team managed to find the point of the plane crash in less than 24 hours after it was reported missing.
The focus of the current operation has shifted to the search for victims and the evacuation process.
With the support of the TNI-Polri, local governments, and community volunteers, the SAR operation is ensured to continue to run to maximize the rescue time which is still in the golden time period.
"The obstacles we face are certainly from the weather and terrain conditions, so the operation followed by more than 1,200 personnel is indeed we focus on finding and evacuating the victims. We hope there will be a miracle and the SAR team can find all the victims," said Syafi'i.
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