Papuaaround.com – A helicopter owned by PT Intan Angkasa with registration number PK-IWS has been confirmed to have crashed near Jila District, Mimika Regency, Central Papua. The fate of four people on board remains uncertain as search and rescue teams face difficulties due to bad weather.
The aircraft departed from Ilaga, Puncak Regency, bound for Timika, Mimika Regency, on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. local time. Shortly after takeoff, the helicopter was reported missing following a sudden loss of communication.
Officials at the Timika Search and Rescue (SAR) Office stated that the aircraft lost contact during flight tracking conducted by the operator. This triggered immediate emergency measures and coordination with air traffic controllers in both Timika and Sentani, Jayapura.
Upon receiving the report, SAR teams began preparing for an emergency operation. According to authorities, the loss of contact signaled a serious incident, raising concerns about the safety of those onboard.
Later in the day, confirmation emerged that the helicopter had gone down. The Head of the Timika Search and Rescue Office, I Wayan Suyatna, said the wreckage was located near Jila District. “The crash site has been identified and is closer to Jila,” he explained.
The helicopter was carrying four people at the time of the incident. They were identified as Captain Eko Puja, who served as the Pilot in Command, Helipad Officer Sudiarman, and two passengers named Anto and Zulfiki.
Authorities stressed that the helicopter belonged to PT Intan Angkasa and was conducting a scheduled flight between Puncak and Mimika. The incident has now drawn full attention from emergency services in the region.
Currently, a joint SAR team is stationed at Moses Kilangin Airport in Timika to organize the evacuation of the victims. However, rescue efforts have been hampered by severe weather conditions. Heavy clouds and rain have made flying unsafe, forcing the postponement of evacuation attempts.
“Due to unfavorable weather, the evacuation process could not take place today,” officials stated on Wednesday. The SAR team announced plans to continue the mission the following morning, Thursday, September 11, 2025, provided weather conditions improve.
Until now, there has been no official confirmation regarding the condition of the four passengers. Authorities emphasized that their primary focus remains on recovery efforts and ensuring the safety of rescue personnel during operations.
Helicopter crashes in Papua are not uncommon, as the region is known for its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather. Steep mountains, dense forests, and sudden climate changes often pose risks for air travel, which remains the main mode of transportation across remote areas.
The crash has once again highlighted the logistical difficulties faced by both commercial operators and emergency services in Papua. For local communities, helicopters are often the only link to essential services, making air safety a continuing concern.
The SAR team has pledged to resume the evacuation at the earliest opportunity. For now, families of the victims and the wider public must wait for further updates on the passengers’ conditions.
