Search and rescue operations are underway in Indonesia after a helicopter carrying eight people—including an Indian national, an American, a Brazilian, and five Indonesians—vanished over the dense forests of Borneo. The Estindo Air BK 117 D3, also referred to as the Airbus BK117 D-3 and operated by Eastindo Air, lost contact with air traffic control on Monday, September 1, 2025, near the Mandin Damar Waterfall in Mentewe, South Kalimantan province. According to Indonesian news agency Antara and ABC News, the aircraft disappeared just eight minutes after takeoff at 8:54 a.m., sparking immediate concern for those on board and their families.
The missing individuals have been identified as Captain Haryanto (the pilot), Eng Hendra (engineer), Mark Werren, Yudi Febrian, Andys Rissa Pasulu, Claudine Quito, Iboy Irfan Rosa, and Indian national Santha Kumar. Reports from Antara and India Today confirm that the passenger list includes a diverse group of nationalities, highlighting the international concern surrounding the incident. The presence of an American and a Brazilian alongside the majority Indonesian crew and passengers has drawn attention from multiple governments and agencies, each hoping for a swift and positive resolution.
The helicopter’s last known location was near the Mandin Damar Waterfall, a remote and rugged area in the heart of Borneo’s vast rainforests. The region is notorious for its challenging terrain, with steep hills, dense jungle, and unpredictable weather patterns that can make both flying and search operations exceptionally difficult. According to I Putu Sudayana, head of the Banjarmasin Search and Rescue Agency, efforts to locate the missing helicopter have been both intensive and carefully coordinated. “The full potential of SAR is deployed to the maximum to accelerate the discovery of helicopters and victims,” Sudayana told ABC News, emphasizing the urgency and scale of the ongoing mission.
Rescue teams have mobilized significant resources in the search, deploying two helicopters for aerial sweeps and a ground force of 140 personnel. These teams include members of the police, military, local officials, and local volunteers, all working in tandem to comb through the 27-square-kilometre (approximately 10-square-mile) search area identified as the most likely location of the downed aircraft. The area is being covered systematically, with ground teams conducting direct searches in hilly and forested zones, while the helicopters operate in shifts to maximize coverage and minimize the risk of collision or confusion in the air.
The decision to use two helicopters in alternating shifts is a calculated one, designed to ensure the safety of the rescuers themselves. As Sudayana explained to Antara, “Simultaneous deployment in the same area could endanger the joint search and rescue team.” This careful approach underscores the inherent dangers of search operations in such a challenging environment, where visibility can be limited and the landscape is unforgiving.
Local media reports, including detailed coverage by The Economic Times and India Today, have highlighted the collaborative nature of the search effort. The involvement of local volunteers alongside trained professionals speaks to the sense of community and shared responsibility that often emerges in the wake of such disasters. Residents familiar with the terrain have proven invaluable, guiding search parties through areas that might otherwise be inaccessible or overlooked.
The disappearance of the Estindo Air helicopter has sent shockwaves through the region and drawn international attention due to the presence of foreign nationals among the missing. Indian authorities have reportedly been in close contact with their Indonesian counterparts, seeking updates on the status of Santha Kumar and the overall progress of the search. The families of all those on board are anxiously awaiting news, clinging to hope as rescue teams press on through difficult conditions.
While the precise cause of the helicopter’s disappearance remains unknown, aviation experts familiar with the region note that South Kalimantan’s weather can be volatile, with sudden storms and thick fog posing serious risks to aircraft. The terrain itself is another factor, with few clearings and many natural obstacles that can complicate both flight paths and rescue operations. In the past, similar incidents in the region have sometimes ended in tragedy, but there have also been stories of survival against the odds, thanks in no small part to the dedication and expertise of local rescue teams.
The Estindo Air BK 117 D3 is a widely used helicopter model known for its versatility and reliability, often employed for transport and emergency missions in challenging environments. Its disappearance over Borneo has prompted renewed scrutiny of flight safety protocols in Indonesia, a country with a complex aviation history. However, officials have been quick to point out that the search is still ongoing, and that every effort is being made to locate the missing aircraft and its passengers as quickly as possible.
As the search enters its second day, the mood among rescuers remains determined but sober. The sheer scale of the forested search area, combined with the lack of immediate clues, means that progress has been slow. Nevertheless, the deployment of advanced technology, including aerial surveillance and ground-based tracking, offers some hope that the helicopter may soon be found. The cooperation between various agencies, from the Banjarmasin Search and Rescue Agency to local law enforcement and volunteers, has been praised by observers and officials alike.
International media outlets, including The Daily Beast, have echoed the sentiments of those on the ground, noting the “maximum deployment” of resources and the coordinated efforts to bring the search to a successful conclusion. The story has resonated far beyond Indonesia’s borders, with friends, family, and officials from India, the United States, and Brazil all closely monitoring developments.
For now, the fate of the eight missing individuals remains uncertain. As search teams continue their painstaking work, the world watches and waits, hoping for a breakthrough that will bring closure to those affected by this mysterious disappearance. The coming days will likely prove critical, as rescuers race against time and the elements to find answers amid the vast and unforgiving forests of Borneo.
In the face of adversity, the determination and solidarity of the search teams offer a small but vital measure of hope. All eyes remain fixed on South Kalimantan, where the search for the missing helicopter presses on.