Ten bodies recovered in Indonesian plane crash.

In a somber conclusion to a week-long search operation, authorities in Indonesia have confirmed that all passengers of the ill-fated flight in South Sulawesi have been recovered. The crash, which occurred in the remote mountainous region of Mount Bulusaraung, has left the nation in mourning.

The aircraft, operated by Indonesia Air Transport, disappeared on 17 January 2026 while en route to Makassar. Among the ten people on board were seven crew members and three passengers, all participating in a fisheries monitoring mission. Following the initial disappearance, wreckage from the plane was eventually located near Mount Bulusaraung, prompting an immediate and complex search-and-rescue effort.

Colonel Dody Trio Hadi of the Indonesian Armed Forces, who oversaw the joint recovery mission, reported that the tenth and final victim was retrieved at 08:59 local time on Friday. He praised the coordinated effort between the Eagle Team and other joint Search and Rescue (SAR) units, noting that all victims and crucial evidence had now been recovered.

“The collaboration of our specialised teams ensured that each individual and every key piece of the wreckage was accounted for,” Colonel Hadi stated.

The recovered bodies have been sent for forensic examination, with two identities confirmed so far. Authorities continue to work meticulously to identify the remaining victims, keeping families informed throughout the process.

The Indonesian government has expressed profound condolences to the bereaved families and pledged comprehensive support. Officials have also assured the public that a full investigation into the cause of the crash will continue, underlining the nation’s commitment to aviation safety.

This tragic event represents one of the most significant losses in recent Indonesian commercial aviation history. While the successful completion of the recovery operation provides a measure of closure for the families and authorities, the precise cause of the crash remains under investigation.

The following table summarises the key details of the flight and recovery operation:

The tragedy has left an indelible mark on the nation, highlighting the challenges of aviation in Indonesia’s rugged terrain. Authorities remain resolute in their investigation, aiming to provide answers to the families and prevent future accidents.