TEMPO.CO, Tangerang-The office of Soekarno-Hatta Airport authority for Transportation Ministry has launched an investigation into the incident of stranded passengers of Lion Air JT 161 Singapore-Jakarta flight in Terminal I of Soekarno-Hatta Airport. “A thorough investigation,” said the Head of Soekarno-Hatta Airport Region I Muzaffar Ismail on Sunday, May 15, 2016.
The investigation will involve technical directorate to identify possible willful misconduct and procedural faults, Muzaffar said. “We will also involve civil servant investigators of Transport Ministry.”
On May 10, 2016, at 19:30, some 182 passengers of JT 161 airplane were disembarked at remote 51 (international). Thence, they were transported by four buses.
Three buses headed to Terminal II for Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ). Whereas one bus strolled to Terminal I (domestic), avoiding immigration checks in the process.
An investigation will be carried out to find out whether the incident was a willful misconduct or a violation of the standar operating procedure (SOP). “A sanction will be given after the investigation results are out.”
The sanction may include stern warning and suspension. To prevent a recurrence of the incident, Transport Ministry will evaluate the SOP of international flights being carried out in the ground handling.
JONIANSYAH HARDJONO