An Indonesian turboprop passenger plane has gone missing with 11 people on board after losing contact shortly after 1pm local time, triggering an urgent air-and-ground search in the mountains near Makassar.
Indonesian authorities are searching for a small passenger aircraft after contact was lost with the plane on Saturday. The turboprop, operated by Indonesia Air Transport, was flying from Yogyakarta to Makassar on Sulawesi island when communication ended, according to the Makassar search and rescue agency.
Officials said the flight was carrying three passengers and eight crew members. Search teams were dispatched to the plane’s last known area in Maros Regency, a mountainous district bordering Makassar, as concern grew for those on board.
When contact was lost
Authorities said contact with the aircraft was lost shortly after 1pm local time. The flight was en route to Makassar, a key transport hub in South Sulawesi, when it vanished from communications.
Flight tracking shared in media coverage indicated the aircraft’s final path was consistent with the region near Maros, where crews have concentrated their search. Officials have not confirmed any distress signal or emergency call before contact was lost.
Search operation in Maros Regency
Muhammad Arif Anwar, head of the local search and rescue agency, said teams were deployed to a mountainous area of Maros Regency near the aircraft’s last known location. The search includes operations by land and by air.
Andi Sultan, operations chief at the Makassar search and rescue agency, said a helicopter and drones were being used to locate the plane. The effort involves multiple agencies, including the air force and police, as well as local volunteers.
NOW – Indonesian ATR 42-500
— Confidential Post (@TheCPostNews) January 17, 2026
plane flying from Yogyakarta to Makassar vanishes. Debris found and search underway. 11 people were onboard. pic.twitter.com/fdUeC8IQpe
Officials have not confirmed the discovery of wreckage and have urged the public to rely on verified updates as the search continues.
What we know about the aircraft
The missing plane was identified as an ATR 42-500, a twin-engine turboprop commonly used for short routes across the archipelago. Indonesia relies heavily on regional aircraft like this to connect major cities and remote communities across thousands of islands.
Why this incident is drawing attention
Indonesia’s geography makes air travel essential, but the country has also faced scrutiny over aviation safety after multiple serious incidents in recent years. Authorities say Saturday’s priority is locating the aircraft and accounting for everyone on board.
In separate incidents cited in recent reporting, helicopters have crashed in different parts of Indonesia, underscoring the risks of flying in challenging conditions and remote terrain.
What happens next
Search crews are expected to continue scanning the region as conditions allow. Officials said the situation remains fluid and updates could emerge quickly once teams reach difficult-to-access areas or identify new leads.
This report is based on information published by ABC News (including wire reporting) and statements from Indonesian search and rescue officials.
More updates: Browse our World News coverage.
