President Offers Condolences To Victims Of Crashed Hercules

Cilacap, C Java (Antara Bali) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has offered condolences to all victims of a hercules which  crashed in the North Sumatra provincial city of Medan on Tuesday, that leads to the death of 49 passengers.

"Once again we are in mourning and offer deep condolences to the bereaved family members of the victims," Jokowi stated here on Tuesday.

Up to 5.00 p.m. local time, a total of 49 dead victims have been rushed to the Adam Malik hospital for autopsy.    

The president said he had received report from the Air Force chief of staff, adding that the evacuation and identification process is still going on.  

The C-130 type plane with A1310 registry number was purchased in 1964 and was once used by former President Soekarno.

The ill-fated plane with 101 persons on board crashed in Jalan Jamin Ginting street in Medan at 11 a.m. local time.

The plane was about to deliver logistics to Halim Perdanakusumah air base in Jakarta, the cities of Pekanbaru, Dumai, Medan, Tanjung Pinang, Ranai, and Pontianak.

In addition, the president asked the related parties to conduct a total audit against the main equipment of arsenal system (alutsista) after the plane crash.  

"Following several plane crashes, we should conduct a total audit and modernize the (old) planes," Jokowi pointed out.

Meanwhile, the Air Force chief of staff, Marshall Agus Supriatna said that 12 crew members were among the 101 persons on board crashed plane. (WDY)