REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, DEPOK -- President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has called for an investigation into the crash of an Indonesian Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft in Medan, North Sumatra, on Tuesday.
The Hercules transport aircraft crashed in Jamin Ginting Road, widely known as one of the busiest roads connecting Medan and Brastagi tourist resort.
The ill-fated aircraft, bearing the registration number A-1310, crashed shortly after takeoff from Polonia Airbase during its flight from Medan to Natuna Island.
"Evacuation of the crash victims has been carried out, and I have ordered for an in-depth investigation into the cause of the accident as soon as possible," President Jokowi stated after attending a ceremony to commemorate the 69th anniversary of the Indonesian Police, commonly called Bhayangkara Day, here on Wednesday.
Jokowi affirmed that he had also asked the defense minister and the National Defense Forces (TNI) chief to undertake a fundamental overhaul of the management of the military hardware system (alutsista).
The ill-fated aircraft was carrying supplies from Halim Perdanakusuma Airbase in Jakarta to several other bases in Pekanbaru, Medan, Tanjung Pinang, Ranai (Natuna Island), and Pontianak.
Spokesman for the North Sumatra Regional Police Command Senior Commissioner Helfi Assegaf remarked that the aircraft crashed three minutes after takeoff. It was carrying officers on duty who were to be dropped at several bases.
He added that the police have not yet been able to confirm the cause of the incident nor the number of the victims, as the SAR team is still searching for survivors at the crash site.
President Jokowi has also offered his deepest condolences to all the victims of the Tuesday's Hercules plane crash in Medan.
"Once again, we are in mourning, and I offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members of the victims," Jokowi stated on Tuesday.
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