A missing ATR 42-500 operated by Indonesia Air Transport vanished with 11 people aboard—eight crew and three passengers—after losing contact around mid-afternoon near the Maros region in South Sulawesi.

Rescue teams, including air force helicopters, drones, and ground units, are scouring rugged terrain in Bulusaraung National Park, where challenging geography is hampering operations.

Hikers reported debris bearing Indonesia Air Transport markings near Mount Bulusaraung and observed small fires, prompting officials to verify the sightings.

As of the report, authorities have not released details on the crash cause or the precise last known location.

The story is framing a live update with ongoing search efforts and no confirmed recovery details at the time.

Recent related aviation tragedies in the region include fatal helicopter crashes in Kalimantan Selatan and Ilaga, Papua, within weeks of the disappearance.

Requests for comment to Indonesia Air Transport and Basarnas were not answered as of January 17, 2026.

The incident underscores Indonesia’s reliance on air travel to connect thousands of islands and reflects ongoing aviation safety concerns highlighted by past crashes.

Context notes Indonesia’s heavy dependence on air transport and prior 2025 incidents, including helicopter crashes with casualties, to frame the risk landscape.

Authorities are monitoring developments and updating the public as rescuers work to confirm wreckage location and determine if there are survivors.

Search operations continue as officials verify wreckage sightings and pinpoint the aircraft’s exact position in mountainous terrain.

Andi Sultan of Makassar SAR said search and rescue teams were deployed to the suspected crash site as authorities work to confirm a crash.