REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo said that the government has pressed into service all its resources to locate the missing AirAsia jet that had 162 people aboard.
"We have deployed a number of ships, helicopters and aircraft to track down AirAsia flight QZ8501 from the waters of Pangkalan Bun, Central Kalimantan," President Joko Widodo stated at a press conference telecast by a private television station here on Tuesday (30/12).
The president remarked that the government will conduct massive search operations to find the Airbus A320-200 jet and determine the fate of its passengers and crew members.
"All parties are involved in the massive search operations to find the AirAsia plane, its passengers and crew," he affirmed.
In addition, Jokowi has ordered the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) to conduct a joint operation to comb the AirAsia debris site in Karimata Strait near Pangkalan Bun, Central Kalimantan.
Furthermore, the president appreciated everyone involved for their support towards the efforts to find the missing AirAsia jet.
"I thank our neighboring countries, Singapore, Australia, and Malaysia, for their help in the search for the AirAsia flight," he noted.
Jokowi added that the government had also conveyed its deepest sympathy to the families of the passengers aboard the AirAsia aircraft.
"Let us all pray for the victims' families to be given the strength and fortitude required to face this tragedy," he said.
So far, the Basarnas has deployed 21 divers to look for AirAsia flight QZ8051 in the waters of Pangkalan Bun, Central Kalimantan.
"Some 21 divers, including 11 Indonesian Navy personnel and 10 rescue team members, will search the AirAsia debris site," Chief of the Basarnas Bambang Soelistyo affirmed here on Tuesday.
He also pointed out that the divers will carry out the search operations in the safe diving depths of 25 to 30 meters below sea level.
The rescue teams will not use search tools as the areas are accessible.
Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika