Security forces and rescue teams examine the wreckage of a military C-130 Hercules transport plane after it crashed into a residential area in the North Sumatra city of Medan on June 30. Photo: REUTERS/Roni Bintang
Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu justified the presence of civilians on the crashed Hercules C-130 in Medan by saying it’s common practice for the air force to transport civilians to remote areas of the country.
“If [civilians] want to come along, that’s fine. It’s always been like that,” Ryamizard said today, as quoted by Metro TV.
The minister also denied allegations that the civilians had to pay a certain fare to get on board a military flight.
“It’s ok, with civilians we have to treat them the same way [as military personnel in not charging them to fly on a military flight]. [Civilians] can ride in a tank [for free], right? No one’s trying to make a profit,” he said.
Previously, Reni, a family member of a deceased victim from Tuesday’s crash in Medan, told Metro TV that the victim had paid around Rp 990 thousand to hitch a ride on the Hercules C-130 to Natuna.
Questions have been raised whether there were paying civilians on board the flight in violation of military rules.
