Ministry Of Transportation Supports KNKT Investigating The Cause Of Helicopter Falls In South Kalimantan

Evacuation of falling helicopter victims/ Photo: ANTARA

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation of the Ministry of Transportation emphasized full support for the investigation carried out by the National Transportation Safety Committee (NTSC) to reveal the cause of the BK117 D3 helicopter crash belonging to Estindo Air in South Kalimantan.

"We fully support the investigation process by the NTSC to get a complete picture of the cause of this incident," said Director General of Air Transportation at the Ministry of Transportation Lukman F. Laisa in Jakarta, Thursday, September 4, 2025.

According to Lukman, the investigative support is very important so that the cause of the incident can be thoroughly revealed and become a strong foothold in steps to increase national aviation safety standards, especially helicopter-based air transportation.

"And the results will be an important input in improving flight safety in the future," said Lukman.

In addition to investigative support, the Ministry of Transportation reiterated its commitment to strengthening supervision and implementation of flight safety regulations, especially for helicopters operating in difficult geographical conditions and extreme natural challenges.

"We will continue to strengthen supervision as part of risk mitigation efforts and improve the quality of aviation safety in Indonesia," he said.

The Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia expressed its condolences for the disaster that befell the BK117-D3 (H145) helicopter belonging to PT. Eastindo Air with PK-RGH registration, which was declared lost contact (lost contact) on Monday (1/9), at around 09.00 a.m. 10.00 p.m. local time.

The helicopter was found by the Land SAR Team on Wednesday (3/9) at around 14.00 WITA. The helicopter crashed in the forest area of Emil Baru Village, Tanah Bumbu, South Kalimantan.

Lukman expressed his deep condolences to the entire family of the crew and passengers who were victims of the disaster.

"May the deceased be accepted by God Almighty, get the best place by His side, and the family left behind will be given strength and fortitude in facing this ordeal," said Lukman.

The eight victims who have been confirmed to have died in the accident are Capt. Haryanto (Pilot in Command) Indonesian citizens; Engineer Hendra (Crew) Indonesian citizens.

Furthermore, six passengers namely Yudi Febrian, Andy's Rissa Pasulu, Iboy Irfan Rosa (Indonesian Citizens); and three other people are foreign nationals (WNA) namely Mark Werren from Australia, Santhakumar Prabhakaran from India, and Clauddinei Pereira Quinto from Brazil.