Indonesian Authorities Locate Wreckage of Missing Ministry Plane; Search for 11 Onboard Intensifies
By Lions Roar News Global Desk
MAKASSAR, INDONESIA (Sunday, January 18, 2026) — Indonesian search and rescue teams have located the wreckage of an ATR 42-500 aircraft that went missing yesterday with 11 people on board. The debris was found scattered on the rugged slopes of Mount Bulusaraung in South Sulawesi, a region characterized by dense jungle and difficult terrain.
The aircraft, which belonged to the Indonesian Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, lost contact with air traffic control on Saturday (January 17) while flying near the city of Makassar.
🏔️ Discovery on Mount Bulusaraung
After an extensive aerial and ground search operation, authorities confirmed that the missing plane had impacted the mountain.
- The Location: Wreckage was spotted by search helicopters at a high-altitude point on Mount Bulusaraung.
- The Mission: The aircraft was reportedly on a routine operational mission for the Ministry when it disappeared from radar.
- The Passengers: There were 11 people on board at the time of the incident, including crew members and ministry officials.
🔍 Search for Survivors Launched
While the discovery of the wreckage provides a grim conclusion to the search for the aircraft, the fate of the 11 individuals on board remains unknown.
Indonesian authorities have immediately launched a specialized ground search and rescue (SAR) operation to reach the crash site. The mission is being hampered by:
- Extreme Terrain: Mount Bulusaraung is known for its steep inclines and thick forest cover.
- Weather Conditions: Unpredictable weather in South Sulawesi is complicating helicopter access and ground movements.
- Logistical Hurdles: Rescue teams must trek through remote areas to reach the impact zone to look for potential survivors and recover flight data recorders.
✈️ About the ATR 42-500
The ATR 42-500 is a twin-turboprop, short-haul regional airliner typically used for surveillance, transport, and research by various Indonesian government agencies. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries utilizes these aircraft for monitoring Indonesia’s vast territorial waters.
