RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Rescue operations on Indonesia's challenging Mount Bulusaraung have located six bodies from the crashed ATR 42-500 plane in Pangkep Regency, South Sulawesi. The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) announced on Thursday, January 22, 2026, that joint SAR teams are now focusing on a cautious evacuation, prioritizing personnel safety amid steep slopes and erratic weather.

Basarnas Chief Mohammad Syafii, briefing from Jakarta, detailed the measured recovery process tailored to protect rescuers in the hazardous conditions. “Until today, there are six victims still in the evacuation process by the joint SAR team. We are carrying this out very carefully and measured,” he said, as quoted by Antara.

Following a press conference at the Makassar SAR Command Post, Syafii shared updates on the broader search efforts. He revealed that teams have retrieved nine "body parts" from the site, which include both aircraft debris and human remains.

"We need to explain that what is meant by body parts at the operation site are parts of the plane or parts of the victims' bodies. Until today, the total found is nine packs of body parts," he said.

Syafii confirmed that all recoveries are being secured immediately per standard procedures before handover to authorities for identification and further handling.

He reiterated that the safety of joint SAR personnel stands as the operation's foremost priority, driving every step with meticulous planning and cross-sector coordination to counter the perilous environment. ***