The vice president said that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono who is now on his overseas visit, has learned about the tragedy and advised the related officials on what to do.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Vice President Boediono on behalf of himself and the government offered deep condolences to families of those killed in the Fokker-27 plane crash near Halim Perdanakusuma airbase on Thursday afternoon.

"On behalf of myself and the government, I offer condolences over this tragedy and may God gives fortitude to all families of the dead victims," the vice president said in a press conference in his official residence in Diponegoro street, here on Thursday evening.

The press conference was also attended by Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro, Military (TNI) chief Admiral Agus Suhartono and deputy Air Force chief of Staff Vice Marshal Dede Rusamsi.

The vice president said that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono who is now on his overseas visit, has learned about the tragedy and advised the related officials on what to do.

According to Boedino, a Fokker-27 plane crashed near Halim Perdanakusuma airbase on Thursday at 2.45 pm Western Indonesia Standard time (WIB), leaving ten people dead.

"At present a team of the Air Force is carrying out an investigation into the cause of the accident," the vice president said.

In the meantime, deputy Air Force chief of Staff Vice Marshal Dede Rusamsi said, the ill-fated Fokker-27 plane was still categorized as being airworthy and underwent maintenance as scheduled.

Earlier, the Indonesian Air Force First Marshal Asman Yunus said, six crew members who died in crash are identified as Major Heri Setiawan, First Lieutenant Syahroni, Captain Agus SW, Sergeant Major Sihmulato, Sergeant Wahyudi and Sergeant Purwo.

"The co-pilot is still alive but in critical condition," Asman said at a press conference in Halim Perdanakusuma airbase.

Asman said a local resident was also injured in the crash. "The injured man has been brought to the hospital," he added. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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