12 Indonesian Tourists Injured in Hot Air Balloon Crash in Turkey
Reporter
June 16, 2025 | 11:04 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that a hot air balloon accident in Aksaray Province, Turkey, left 12 Indonesian nationals injured.
According to Judha Nugraha, Director of Indonesian Citizen Protection at the ministry, the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara has provided assistance to the victims following the accident, which occurred on Sunday, local time.
“The Indonesian Embassy in Ankara has coordinated with local authorities to assist the Indonesian tourists,” Judha stated in a written release from Jakarta on Monday, June 16, 2025, as quoted by Antara.
He explained that the hot air balloon, carrying 19 Indonesian passengers and one Turkish pilot, crashed due to an abrupt change in wind conditions. The Turkish pilot lost his life in the incident.
Judha said 12 of the 19 Indonesian tourists sustained minor injuries. Their condition has since improved after receiving treatment at a local hospital, and they were preparing to travel to Istanbul before returning to Indonesia.
“They are scheduled to return to Indonesia tonight,” Judha added.
Indonesian Ambassador to Turkey, Achmad Rizal Purnama, explained that the group originally planned to take a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia. However, due to unfavorable weather conditions, they sought an alternative location and opted to fly in Aksaray instead.
“In Cappadocia, it was decided not to fly due to the weather. However, the group still searched for a balloon elsewhere to fly,” said Ambassador Rizal.
He confirmed that the injured tourists have been discharged from the hospital after receiving medical care.
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