Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  Twelve Indonesian citizens sustained minor injuries after a hot air balloon crash in Aksaray, central Turkey, on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed.

The balloon, carrying 19 Indonesians and a Turkish pilot, crashed due to a sudden wind change. The pilot died in the incident.

“The Indonesian Embassy in Ankara has coordinated with local authorities and provided assistance to the injured nationals,” said Judha Nugraha, the Director of Citizens Protection, as quoted by antaranews.com on Tuesday (17/6/2025).

All injured were treated at local hospitals and have since been discharged. They are en route to Istanbul and scheduled to return to Indonesia tonight.

Ambassador Achmad Rizal Purnama explained the group originally planned to fly in Cappadocia, but poor weather grounded all flights. They sought an alternative location and proceeded to Aksaray, where the accident occurred.

Officials confirmed the Indonesian group received full medical attention and are now recovering.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)