Jakarta, ThedailyID — Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) confirmed that one crew member died after a Super Puma H-225 helicopter crashed during a forest and land fire suppression mission in South Kalimantan on Sunday (November 8, 2026).
The helicopter, registered as VH-HGM, crashed in the waters of the Barito River in Barito Kuala Regency.
Head of Basarnas Banjarmasin and Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator (SMC) I Putu Sudayana said the joint SAR team recovered the third crew member at 6:08 p.m. local time. The team searched the waters near Tabatan Village, Kuripan District.
The deceased was identified as Yayan Supyansuri, an Indonesian citizen who served as the helicopter’s crew member and navigator.
“Yes, the third victim has died. We have temporarily taken the body to Jenamas Community Health Center in Barito Selatan Regency, Central Kalimantan. The team will then transfer him to a hospital in Banjarmasin for further medical procedures,” Sudayana said.
The other two crew members survived the crash. Hugh, from New Zealand, served as the pilot, while Mick Betteridge, from Australia, worked as the co-pilot and technician.
Rescue teams had evacuated both foreign crew members earlier. With the recovery of Yayan’s body, authorities have now evacuated all three people aboard the helicopter.
However, investigators have yet to determine what caused the aircraft to crash.
The search and rescue operation involved Basarnas, the Indonesian Military (TNI), South Kalimantan Police, Barito Kuala Police, regional disaster management agencies, local governments, and SAR volunteers from Barito Kuala and Kapuas regencies.
Sudayana thanked all participating agencies for their cooperation and coordination throughout the operation.
Previously, another military helicopter, a Mil-17 operated by the Indonesian Army, crashed in the waters near Sungai Perlu Village, Danau Sembuluh District, Seruyan Regency, Central Kalimantan. Three people reportedly died in that incident.
