Timika. The body of Eko Puja Sulandhono, pilot of the Intan Angkasa helicopter PK-IWS that crashed in Jila District, Central Papua’s Mimika was flown to Jakarta on Friday. The remains departed from Mozes Kilangin Airport, Timika, aboard a Lion Air flight.

Mimika Hospital spokesperson Lucky Mahakena said the same flight also carried the bodies of technician Sudirman and passenger Hermanto to Makassar, South Sulawesi, for burial in their hometowns. Another passenger, Zulkifli Kurniawan, was flown to Biak Numfor.

“Three bodies were flown to Jakarta and Makassar on Lion Air at noon local time, while one victim was sent to Biak with Sriwijaya Air today as well,” Lucky said, as quoted by Antara.

The four victims were found on Thursday by a joint SAR team at the crash site in Jila District before being evacuated to Timika. At Mimika Hospital, their remains underwent autopsy and preservation procedures at the request of the police.

“Following police instructions, we conducted autopsies, cleansing, and formalin preservation,” Lucky added. The bodies were later placed at PT Intan Angkasa’s mess in Timika for final arrangements.

The ill-fated helicopter was on lease to Palapa Timur Telematika for tower maintenance under the Palapa Ring East project, which ensures connectivity across Papua. The aircraft lost contact on Wednesday while flying from Ilaga, Puncak Regency, to Timika.

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