Helicopter Crash: Indonesian Embassy Fully Hands Over Investigation to Malaysia

The Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has entrusted the Malaysian authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash of a Bell 206L-4 Long Ranger transport helicopter in Bentong, Pahang, which claimed the life of an Indonesian citizen on Thursday morning.

Indonesia’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Datuk Hermono, stated that they had contacted the helicopter company registered in Jakarta, Indonesia, and representatives were expected to arrive in Malaysia on Thursday night to manage the repatriation of the victim’s remains.

“We are fully entrusting the Malaysian authorities to investigate the cause of this incident.

“The embassy has also informed the Indonesian-based company about the incident, and their representatives will arrive tonight. The embassy will facilitate all matters related to the company and the repatriation process,” he told Astro AWANI on Thursday.

According to Hermono, the autopsy is expected to be completed promptly, allowing the remains to be sent back to Indonesia within the next two days, depending on the procedures set by Malaysian authorities.

He added that the Indonesian Embassy would continue to work closely with Malaysian authorities and the helicopter company to ensure a smooth process.

The incident, which occurred at around 10:20 a.m., resulted in the death of a 27-year-old engineer, Finsen Reskey Sembiring, who was struck by the helicopter’s main rotor blade. Meanwhile, the helicopter pilot, a 44-year-old Indonesian national, survived.

The helicopter, which had taken off from a Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) project site about 16 kilometers from the crash location, is believed to have crashed after its skid hit the ground, causing the aircraft to overturn and catch fire.