1 Kopasgat Soldier Dies During Umbrella Falls Exercise At Halim, Indonesian Air Force Forms Investigation Team

Illustration of the Indonesian Air Force's Quick Action Command (Kopasgat) for parachuting training. (Between)

JAKARTA - Air Force Chief of Staff (KSAU) Marshal TNI Fadjar Prasetyo formed an investigation team in the case of a military exercise accident on Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base (Lanud).

At least two soldiers of the Rapid Action Force Command (Kopasgat) during parachuting training

"Now an investigation team is being formed to find the cause of the accident," said Fadjar at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, Jakarta, Thursday.

The accident occurred when Kopasgat members carried out parachuting exercises in the Halim Perdanakusuma area, Wednesday, April 5. The accident caused Sertu Agung Dwano Karisma to die.

The joint exercise was held in the framework of a dirty rehearsal ahead of the commemoration ceremony for the 77th Anniversary of the Indonesian Air Force at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base.

"Yesterday we mourned, because one of our best soldiers died in carrying out the move in the context of the anniversary," said Fadjar.

He estimated that the accident occurred while plunging or bungee jumping which resulted in a collision in the air. According to him, the incident was unavoidable, causing casualties.

"And the body of [Sertu Agung] has been buried in his hometown in Soreang with a military ceremony," said Fadjar.

Head of the Air Force Information Service (Kadispenau) Marsma TNI Indan Gilang Buldansyah explained that Sertu Agung was taken to the hospital, but a few hours later died.

Meanwhile, one other Kopasgat member is still recovering and is being treated at Dr. Esnawan Antariksa Air Hospital.

He also asked the public if they found videos and photos related to this accident so as not to be disseminated. This is to maintain the feelings of the bereaved family.

"Please take care of the family, if you find photos that are approximately lacking, just look at them," he said.

In addition, Indan admitted that he saluted Kopasgat members who were enthusiastic about carrying out their task of parachuting well in the midst of losing their colleagues.

"I think their morale is extraordinary. My fellow air force salutes them," he said.

As a result of this accident, continued Indan, the number of paratroopers was changed from using two planes to one plane and the number was no longer as many as 77 people, but to 18 people.