RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Search and rescue operations for the missing ATR 42-500 aircraft on the Yogyakarta–Makassar route will resume early Sunday morning, January 18, 2026, with a joint SAR team mobilizing hundreds of personnel and volunteers across multiple sectors.

The coordinated effort, led by Basarnas and involving the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), Indonesian Military (TNI), National Police (Polri), Water and Air Police Corps (Polairud), Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), Student Nature Lovers (MAPALA), and humanitarian volunteers, was confirmed during a briefing on Saturday night, January 17.

Under the command of the Military Regional Command (Kodam) XIV/Hasanuddin, the operation is scheduled to begin at 04:00 Central Indonesia Time (WITA), with teams assigned to specific search sectors based on terrain characteristics.

The briefing reiterated task divisions, with three BPBD Makassar personnel assigned to data and information management to ensure smooth reporting and integration. Seven others, trained in vertical rescue, were designated to lead search teams in the field, reflecting the growing number of personnel and volunteers joining the mission.

BPBD Makassar emphasized its commitment to supporting the search in a coordinated and professional manner, prioritizing safety under a unified command system.

“We are ready to move according to instructions. Our personnel will focus on data and information tasks while leading search teams based on their expertise,” said Rahmat, team commander of BPBD Makassar.

The ATR 42-500 aircraft, operated by Indonesia Air Transport, lost contact on Saturday afternoon, January 17, at around 13:17 WITA near Maros, South Sulawesi, within the Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park area.

The National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) has deployed investigators to collect data related to the incident.

KNKT Chairman Soerjanto Tjahjono stated that the cause of the crash has not yet been determined, citing difficulties due to a suspected malfunction of the emergency locator transmitter. He added that the current focus remains on locating the crash site and gathering information on victims. ***