Malaysia Airlines Confirms 12 Indonesian Aboard MH17

Jakarta (Antara) - There were 12 Indonesians among 298 passengers, who boarded flight MH17 from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur that crashed in Ukraine on Thursday, Malaysia Airlines has confirmed. There were several passengers from other nationalities such as 192 Dutch nationals, included one US-Dutch citizen, the airlines stated in the press release received by Antara here on Saturday. Besides, there were also 15 airplane crew and two babies along with 44 Malaysian nationals who died in the crash. Additionally, there were 27 Australians, ten British nationals, four Germans and four Belgians, apart from three Filipinos, a Canadian and a New Zealander among those who perished on flight MH17. Malaysia Airlines said they have coordinated with several embassies to communicate the latest information to the passengers' families. The airways will also coordinate with the emergency response team and several authorities to provide the required services to the families. They also stated their concern for the families regarding the incident that claimed 298 lives. The airlines has also provided a hotline for the families of victims to get information. These are +603 7884 1234 for Malaysia area and +31703487770 for the Netherlands. Malaysia Airlines said flight MH17 that was allegedly shot down in Ukrainian air space, had a safe route as stated by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The International Air Transportation Association said the air zone that was crossed by the flight was not a banned cruise flight route. After the incident, however, all routes of Malaysia Airlines will avoid the usual route and take alternative routes. (*)