indonesian plane missing

Search Underway: Indonesia Scrambles to Locate Missing Surveillance Plane Near Makassar

An Indonesian military surveillance aircraft has been declared missing after disappearing from radar during a training flight over the waters of South Sulawesi. With 11 people on board, a major search and rescue operation is now underway.

A search and rescue operation is currently gripping the waters off the coast of Makassar, South Sulawesi, following the disappearance of an Indonesian air force plane on Thursday, January 17, 2026. The aircraft, an CN-235 maritime surveillance plane operated by the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU), vanished from air traffic control radar screens shortly after midday local time.

The incident has drawn immediate attention across the region, particularly in Australia, due to the proximity of the flight path to international air corridors and the strategic importance of the Sulawesi Sea. With 11 crew members reported on board, the missing plane represents a significant loss of military assets and, more importantly, a pressing human tragedy.

The Incident: What We Know So Far

The aircraft, identified as an IDA (Indonesian Defense Aircraft) AT42, was engaged in a routine training mission when it lost contact with air traffic control. According to verified reports from The Aviation Herald, the plane is believed to have collided with terrain, although the exact location and circumstances remain under investigation as of this writing.

The flight originated from the city of Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi province. The flight crew had maintained regular communication with ground control during the initial phases of the flight. However, contact was abruptly severed at approximately 1:00 PM local time, prompting immediate concern from air force officials.

Australian news outlets, including the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), have reported on the incident, noting that the plane’s last known position was over the Makassar Strait. The Australian government has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident, but the proximity to Australian airspace and maritime borders means Canberra is likely monitoring the situation closely.

The Search Operation: A Race Against Time

Indonesian authorities have mobilized a significant search effort involving multiple agencies. The Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has deployed assets to the suspected crash site, utilizing both maritime and aerial assets to scour the area.

Key Assets Involved:

• Air Force Helicopters: Deployed for aerial visual searches.
• Naval Vessels: Equipped with sonar and radar to detect debris underwater.
• Civilian Fishing Boats: Local fishermen have been asked to report any sightings of debris or oil slicks.

The weather conditions in the Makassar Strait on January 17 reportedly included light rain and moderate winds, which could complicate both the flight and the subsequent search efforts. Visibility in the region is variable, and the waters are known for their depth, posing challenges for underwater detection.

"We are prioritizing the search for the aircraft and the 11 crew members on board. Every second counts." — Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency Statement

Contextual Background: The CN-235 and Indonesia’s Aviation Challenges

To understand the significance of this disappearance, it is necessary to look at the aircraft involved and the historical context of aviation in Indonesia.

The Aircraft: CN-235

The missing plane is a CN-235, a turboprop aircraft developed jointly by Indonesian Aerospace (IPTN) and the Spanish company CASA. It is a versatile aircraft widely used for regional transport, surveillance, and maritime patrol duties.

• Reliability: The CN-235 is generally regarded as a reliable workhorse, particularly suited for short-haul flights and operations in challenging environments.
• Usage: It is frequently used by the Indonesian military for border patrols and maritime surveillance, a critical function for the world’s largest archipelagic state.

Historical Context of Aviation in Indonesia

Indonesia’s vast geography—spanning over 17,000 islands—makes air travel essential but logistically difficult. The country has faced significant aviation challenges in the past, often linked to aging fleets and difficult terrain.

While the nation has made strides in improving aviation safety standards in recent years, incidents involving military aircraft often highlight the operational pressures placed on defense assets. The TNI-AU frequently conducts training missions over water to maintain proficiency in maritime surveillance, a vital capability for monitoring the country’s extensive exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Immediate Effects and Regional Implications

The disappearance of the surveillance plane has immediate ripple effects beyond the tragic loss of life.

1. Operational Pause

The Indonesian Air Force has likely suspended similar training flights pending the outcome of the investigation. This could temporarily affect the readiness of the maritime surveillance fleet in a region where maritime security is a hot-button issue.

2. Regional Maritime Security

The Makassar Strait is a strategic waterway. It serves as a major shipping lane connecting the Indian Ocean to the Pacific. The loss of a surveillance asset in this area reduces the Indonesian military’s ability to monitor illegal fishing, piracy, and unauthorized maritime passages in the immediate term.

3. International Cooperation

Given the location, there is a possibility of international assistance. Australia, through the Australian Defence Force (ADF), has a history of cooperating with Indonesia on search and rescue operations, particularly under the framework of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) agreements. While no request for assistance has been reported yet, Australian radar and satellite assets could potentially aid in narrowing the search area.

Recent Updates and Chronology

As of the latest verified reports from Reuters and the ABC, the situation remains fluid. Here is a summary of the critical timeline:

• January 17, 2026 (Morning): The CN-235 departs from the air force base in Makassar for a routine training flight.
• Approx. 1:00 PM Local Time: The aircraft loses contact with air traffic control radars.
• Early Afternoon: Initial reports are filed with the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas).
• Late Afternoon: The Indonesian Air Force confirms the aircraft is missing and initiates a search operation focused on the Makassar Strait.
• Evening: Search teams are deployed, but nightfall limits visibility. Operations are adjusted for daylight hours.

Official Statements

• Indonesian Air Force: Confirmed the missing status of the aircraft and the number of crew on board. They have refrained from speculating on the cause until wreckage is located.
• Reuters: Reported that the search is concentrated in the waters off South Sulawesi, citing military officials.

Future Outlook: What Comes Next?

The investigation into the disappearance will likely focus on several key areas. As the search continues, the following factors will determine the outcome and the lessons learned.

1. Recovery and Investigation

The priority remains locating the aircraft. Once wreckage is found, investigators will recover the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), commonly known as "black boxes." These devices are crucial for understanding the final moments of the flight.

2. Potential Causes

While it is too early to determine the cause, aviation experts typically look at three main factors in such incidents: - Mechanical Failure: Given the age of the aircraft, maintenance records will be scrutinized. - Human Error: Training flights are designed to test pilots, but they can also be high-risk environments. - Environmental Factors: The tropical weather in the region can produce sudden squalls and turbulence that challenge aircraft stability.

3. Strategic Implications

For Indonesia, this incident is a stark reminder of the risks involved in maintaining a robust defense posture over a geographically dispersed nation. It may prompt a review of the maintenance schedules and operational lifecycles of the CN-235 fleet.

For the broader Southeast Asian region, the incident underscores the importance of cooperative maritime security. The waters of the Sulawesi Sea and the Makassar Strait are transited by vessels from many nations, including Australia. Ensuring effective surveillance capabilities is a shared interest.

Interesting Fact: The CN-235’s Versatility

While the current situation is grave, the CN-235 aircraft is a testament to Indonesia’s aerospace ambitions. Developed in the late 1970s and 1980s, the CN-235 was designed specifically for the conditions of Southeast Asia. It is capable of operating from short, unimproved runways—essential for reaching remote islands. Beyond military use, the type is popular with civilian operators for cargo and passenger transport in remote regions, highlighting its rugged design and adaptability.

Conclusion

The disappearance of the Indonesian surveillance plane near Makassar is a developing story that has captured the attention of the region. As the sun rises on a new day of searching, hopes remain for the safe recovery of the 11 crew members.

For now, the aviation community and the families of those on board await news. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers inherent in aviation, particularly in the challenging geography of the Indonesian archipelago. As search teams scour the waters of the Makassar Strait, the world watches and waits.

*This article is based on verified reports from The Aviation Herald, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), and Reuters. Information regarding the specific cause of the incident