RRI.CO.ID, Makassar – Indonesia’s Minister of Transportation, Dudy Purwagandhi conducted an on-site inspection of the search and evacuation operations for the ATR 42-500 aircraft. He said it was reported crashed in the Maros area, South Sulawesi, via the Alternative Main Route (AJU) SAR Post in Tompo Bulu Village, Balocci Sub-district, Pangkep Regency, on Monday, 19 January 2026.

From the Search and Rescue Team (SAR) post closest to the crash site, Minister Dudy affirmed that all information related to the progress of the search and evacuation would be conveyed by the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) as the main authority in charge.

“Technically, this search operation is fully under the responsibility of Basarnas as the leading sector. The agency has been working in a well-coordinated manner with local governments, the Indonesian Military (TNI), the Indonesian Police (Polri), and all related parties. We appreciate and thank everyone for this collaboration,” Dudy conveyed in a statement received in Jakarta on Monday.

He also expressed his appreciation and encouragement to the SAR teams and volunteers working in the field. Despite challenging terrain and extreme weather conditions, the SAR teams continue to work optimally to locate all crew members and passengers of the ATR 42-500 aircraft.

“For two days, the search operation has been underway, and significant progress has been made by teams on the ground. Once again, thank you for the solid cooperation shown by all field personnel. This reflects the state’s presence in serving the public and in efforts to find the victims,” Dudy said.

The Minister urged all field personnel to continue prioritizing personal safety and to carry out the search operation in accordance with procedures and directions issued by Basarnas, in order to avoid additional risks, particularly to rescue personnel.

Meanwhile, Head of the National Search and Rescue Agency, M. Syafi’i stated that the SAR team managed to locate the crash site in less than 24 hours after the incident. The operation will now focus on locating and evacuating the victims, as the search is still within the golden time period.