RI's forestry minister mourns three killed in army helicopter crash

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni expressed condolences for three crew members killed when an Mi-17V5 helicopter crashed during a wildfire suppression mission in Tanjung Puting National Park, Central Kalimantan.

Raja Juli arrived at Iskandar Airport in Pangkalan Bun on Thursday before traveling to Kuala Pembuang to inspect the response and receive a briefing, the ministry said.

"I extend my deepest condolences to the crew members who died while fighting forest fires. On behalf of the Forestry Ministry, I honor their dedication and service," Raja Juli said.

The ministry identified the dead as Dudi Firmansyah, Nurhafiz Akbar Rizki Hartio and Heri Prasetyo. Dudi's body was sent to Bandung, while Nurhafiz's was flown to Semarang for handover to his family.

Heri's body had yet to be recovered, and joint teams continued searching the crash site.

The on-site response is being led by Central Kalimantan Governor Agustiar Sabran, Military District Commander Major General Zainul Arifin and provincial police chief Inspector General Iwan Kurniawan.

The five survivors were identified as Captains Febri and Suganda, Second Lieutenant Fercis, Private First Class Gilang and Chief Sergeant Kadiya.

They were evacuated from Kuala Pembuang to Banjarmasin for further treatment at a hospital offering more comprehensive medical care.

"The government will ensure they receive the best possible medical care," Raja Juli said.

"The priority now is to ensure the survivors receive the best possible care and continue searching for our colleague who remains unaccounted for," he added.

The Mi-17V5 helicopter took off from Kuala Pembuang at about 9:55 a.m. for Telaga Pulang to carry out a wildfire water-bombing mission in Tanjung Puting National Park.

The crash reportedly occurred at about 11:18 a.m. as the helicopter was collecting water for the firefighting operation.

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Translator: Prisca TV, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
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