An Indonesian Army MI‑17V5 helicopter crashed on Wednesday while carrying out a forest‑firefighting mission near Tanjung Puting National Park in Central Kalimantan, killing two crew members, officials confirmed. The incident happened at Sungai Perlu Village in Seruyan District around 9:55 a.m. local time, according to a police spokesperson. The crash, which occurred while the aircraft was preparing for a water‑bombing run, was reported to the Kuala Pembuang Regional General Hospital, where the injured were treated.
Commander at XXII/Tambun Bungai Military District, Major General Zainul Arifin, said he had visited the crash site and the hospital and confirmed the death of two crew and the injury of five others. Arifin also noted that one crew member remains missing and that a search operation is underway. The statement was released by Antara, the news agency, on November 5.
Central Kalimantan Police Public Relations Unit Head Senior Commissioner Budi Rachmat described the flight as a round‑trip between Kuala Pembuang and Telaga Pulang. He said the helicopter experienced technical problems while collecting water for the firefighting operation and crashed in Sungai Perlu Village. The first victims were reportedly evacuated from the crash site at 12:30 p.m., Rachmat noted.
The MI‑17V5, bearing the registration number HA‑5235, had eight crew on board: Major Dudi, Captain Febri, Captain Suganda, First Lieutenant Hafiz, First Lieutenant Fercis, Chief Sergeant Kadiya, Second Sergeant Sardi, and Private First Class Gilang. All crew names were identified by police and military officials.
Central Kalimantan Governor Agustiar Sabran expressed condolences over the crash and expressed hope that the injured crews will recover soon and the missing crew half will be found. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining vigilance during firefighting operations in the region.
