ATR 45-500 Tragedy on Mount Bulusaraung: Victims' Families' Rights Protected

On January 17, 2026, a tragic incident struck Indonesian aviation: an ATR 45-500 aircraft crashed in the Bulusaraung Mountain area, South Sulawesi. In this catastrophe, 10 people, including crew and passengers, are presumed dead. Responding to this tragedy, aviation law expert Columbanus Priaardanto stressed the need for legal assistance for victims’ families to avoid exploitation by irresponsible parties. He noted that the heirs’ rights are governed by both national and international law. According to Priaardanto, the airline PT Indonesia Air Transport should issue an official statement to clarify the rights guaranteed by Indonesian law. He also highlighted the importance of international conventions such as the Montreal Convention 1999, ratified by Indonesia. Based on this legal framework, the ongoing investigation and search for bodies is being conducted by the SAR team. As of now, 8 bodies have been found. The importance of protecting heirs’ rights is evident, covering both passengers and crew.