Inp.polri.go.id - Tanah Bumbu. Indonesian authorities have deployed two helicopters to search for an Estindo Air BK117 D3 helicopter that lost contact on Monday morning (1/9/2025)while flying over Mentewe, Tanah Bumbu Regency, South Kalimantan. 

The aircraft was carrying eight people, including a pilot, an engineer, and six passengers, as reported by antaranews.com.

“BNPB’s helicopters are scheduled to take off from Sjamsudin Noor Air Base at around 07:15 WITA, while a Police helicopter will fly in from Palangka Raya for standby,” said Banjarmasin Search and Rescue Chief I Putu Sudayana late Monday, referring to the National Disaster Management Agency..

Search operations, coordinated by SAR Banjarmasin, involve Basarnas, AirNav, BMKG, and police and military units. Ground teams have reached the first and second Last Known Position (LKP) sites, though no wreckage has been found.

Authorities say the search is complicated by hilly terrain and dynamic weather. A forward post may be established between the main base and LKP 2 to maintain communication.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)