Papuaaround.com – The wreckage of the PK-IWS helicopter owned by PT Intan Angkasa, which went down in Jila District, Mimika Regency, Central Papua, has finally been located. Search and rescue teams confirmed that all four passengers on board were found dead.
The final two victims, identified as Anto and Zulfiki, were discovered on Thursday morning, September 11, 2025, at 11:21 a.m. local time. Rescue officers immediately evacuated the bodies from the crash site despite the rugged terrain and adverse conditions.
One hour earlier, at approximately 10:21 a.m., two other victims had already been found. They were identified as Pilot in Command, Eko Puja, and Helicopter Landing Officer, Sudiarman. Both were confirmed dead at the scene.
“With the recovery of these last two individuals, the total of four victims from the PK-IWS helicopter accident have been accounted for and evacuated,” a SAR operations coordinator confirmed in an official statement. He also emphasized that all victims would be transported to Timika for formal identification and later handed over to their families.
The evacuation process of by PT Intan Angkasa helicopter has been described as particularly challenging. The crash site lies in the remote Jila area, a region characterized by difficult mountainous terrain, unpredictable weather, and limited access routes. Rescue teams faced multiple obstacles, including poor visibility and unstable ground conditions, which slowed down the operation.
Despite these barriers, joint forces from Basarnas, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police, and local volunteers persisted in their mission. Their coordinated efforts enabled the recovery to be completed within a relatively short timeframe after the wreckage was discovered.
Authorities confirmed that the helicopter had lost contact during a routine flight toward Papua’s interior before the crash occurred. This incident adds to a series of aviation accidents recorded in Papua, a region notorious for its complex geography and sudden weather changes that often disrupt air navigation.
Aviation experts have long highlighted the operational challenges faced by aircraft in this area. Narrow valleys, high mountains, and frequent storms pose risks that require both advanced equipment and exceptional piloting skills. These factors, combined with limited ground transportation options, mean air travel remains vital for residents yet fraught with danger.
Local officials expressed their condolences to the victims’ families, while stressing that investigations into the cause of the crash will continue. They also underscored the importance of enhancing safety measures for flights across Papua’s highlands to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring that all victims are returned to their loved ones and that the recovery mission concludes with respect and dignity. The crash once again underlines the persistent aviation risks in Papua, reminding authorities and operators of the ongoing need for vigilance in one of Indonesia’s most challenging flight zones.
