inp.polri.go.id - South Sulawesi. The South Sulawesi Regional Police moved quickly to maximize search efforts for an ATR 400 aircraft belonging to Indonesia Air Transport, en route from Yogyakarta to Makassar, which was reported missing on Saturday (1/17/2026) at approximately 1:17 PM.
Initial information about the loss of contact with the aircraft, registered as PK-THT, was received from the General Manager of AirNav Makassar. Based on initial data, the aircraft was estimated to be in the border area between Maros and Pangkep Regencies.
Following up on the report, the South Sulawesi Regional Police immediately deployed personnel in search efforts along with members of the Indonesian National Military (TNI), Basarnas (National Search and Rescue Agency), the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD).
The South Sulawesi Regional Police also deployed SAR personnel from the Mobile Brigade and Samapta units to bolster the joint team on the ground. According to the airline's latest manifest, the aircraft was carrying 10 people, consisting of 7 crew members and 3 passengers. The manifest change occurred due to a crew change prior to departure from Adi Sucipto Airport in Yogyakarta to Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar.
As of Saturday evening, the aircraft had not been found. The search was hampered by foggy weather, light rain, and steep mountainous terrain. Due to personnel safety concerns, the search was temporarily suspended and resumed on Sunday morning (1/18/2026).
To strengthen coordination, the joint Basarnas, TNI-Polri Main Post was relocated to Balocci District, Pangkep Regency, and a supporting post was established in Cenrana District, Maros Regency. The search focused on two main routes: the Balocci area in Pangkep and Rompegading Village in Cenrana District, Maros.
South Sulawesi Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Djuhandhani Rahardjo Puro, stated that from the beginning, his team had been coordinating intensively with Basarnas, the TNI, and all relevant agencies to carry out integrated search and rescue operations.
"We have taken strategic steps, including establishing a command post and strengthening personnel in the field, to support the search operation," said the Regional Police Chief during a press conference at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, Makassar, Sunday (1/18/2026).
The Regional Police Chief also added that Bhayangkara Hospital in Makassar has been designated as a referral hospital for conducting antemortem examinations.
The South Sulawesi Regional Police confirmed that they will continue to coordinate with all relevant parties and deploy their best efforts to maximize the search process, while prioritizing personnel safety and paying attention to weather developments and terrain conditions at the search location.
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