A plane crash in South Sulawesi province is prompting calls for a full investigation as details emerge about the passengers and potential mechanical issues. An ATR 42-500 operated by Indonesia Air Transport went down in mountainous terrain near Makassar on saturday, January 17th, 2026, with 11 people on board-eight crew and three employees of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. The National Awakening Party (PKB) is demanding transparency in the probe, emphasizing the need to understand the cause of the crash and ensure accountability for the loss of life.
Three passengers aboard the ATR 42-500 aircraft that crashed in the Bulusaraung Mountain area of Pangkajene and Islands Regency, South Sulawesi, were employees of Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. A member of the Indonesian House of Representatives and a leader within the National Awakening Party (PKB), Daniel Johan, is calling for a transparent investigation into the crash.
“We urge a thorough, transparent, and professional process for the evacuation, victim handling, and investigation into the cause of the crash, to ensure future safety and provide clarity for the families of the victims,” Johan said Monday, January 19, 2026.
Johan extended his deepest condolences for the tragedy, expressing sympathy for the crew and Ministry employees who were on board. He offered his most profound condolences to the families and loved ones left behind.
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“As a partner to the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries within Commission IV of the DPR RI, we are deeply saddened by this event. The KKP employees dedicated their lives to protecting and managing Indonesia’s marine and fisheries resources,” Johan explained.
He prayed for the victims to find peace and for their families to be granted strength and resilience. “Once again, we express our deepest condolences. May those left behind be given strength and fortitude,” he said.
Deputy Chairman of Commission VIII of the DPR RI, Abdul Kharis, echoed those sentiments, praising the dedication of the three employees.
“Our highest respect for the dedication of the personnel on board that aircraft,” Abdul said.
Abdul expressed his sorrow over the crash of the ATR 42-500. He offered his condolences.
“I express my deep sorrow and condolences. Hopefully, the evacuation can be carried out quickly by the authorities,” Abdul stated.
Abdul declined to comment further on the incident. “We await the results of the evacuation and investigation into this tragedy,” he added.
Previously, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono confirmed that three KKP employees were on the flight.
“Our presence here is to clarify information circulating in the public regarding the KKP logo. We can confirm that KKP employees were on the plane,” Trenggono said during a press conference Saturday night, January 17.
He explained that the three employees were carrying out an assignment from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries: aerial monitoring of marine resources.
Trenggono identified the three as Ferry Irawan, a first-level young analyst for patrol vessels; Deden Mulyana, a first-level young manager of state-owned assets; and Yoga Naufal, an aerial photo operator.
Meanwhile, Indonesia Air Transport’s Director of Operations, Capt. Edwin, said the ATR 42-500 experienced engine problems before the crash. He affirmed that the engineering issues had been addressed.
“We did have a problem with our engineering,” Capt. Edwin said during a press conference regarding the ATR 42-500 at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar, as reported by detikSulsel on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
He explained that the engineering problem occurred on Friday, January 16, the day before the flight from Adisutjipto Airport in Yogyakarta to Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar on Saturday, January 17.
“That was on Friday (there was an engineering problem),” he said.
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(isa/imk)
