Arab countries offer condolences to Indonesia’s President after plane crash

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman sent a cable of condolences to Indonesian President Joko Widodo over a civilian passenger plane that crashed after taking off from Jakarta towards the city of Pontianak, killing 62 people on board, Saudi Press Agency reported.
“We have learned of the news of the crash of the passenger plane in North Jakarta, and we send to Your Excellency, and the families of the deceased and the brotherly people of Indonesia our deepest condolences and sincere sympathies,” the king said.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also sent a similar cable to Widodo and the Indonesian people.
Meanwhile, Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa offered his condolences to Indonesia’s President  Widodo, the families of the victims and the people of Indonesia, state news agency BNA reported.
Jordan’s foreign ministry also sent a cable of condolences to the families of the victims and affirmed its support to Indonesia during its crisis, state news agency Petra reported.
The Boeing 737-500 jetliner lost contact with air traffic control minutes after taking off from Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, on a domestic flight.
Debris found by fishermen was being examined to see if it was from the missing plane, officials said.