The recent crash of Lion Air flight 610 is putting Indonesia's aviation safety record in the spotlight. In a country of 2 hundred and 50 million people, accessibility is becoming more important than ever. Thousands of domestic and international travelers are using low-cost airlines, forcing the authorities to look into the matter seriously to ensure similar disasters don't happen going forward. CGTN's Silkina Ahluwalia has more from Jakarta.

Following the fatal crash of a Lion Air flight in the waters of Karawang in West Java, Indonesia is dealing with yet another chapter in its poor aviation history.

Flight 610 was carrying 189 passengers and crashed into the waters just thirteen minutes after take off. Initial investigations revealed that the plane already had troubles to begin with.

Engineers had voiced concerns just one day before take off but it was still cleared to fly.

BUDI RIYANTO, ASSISTANT MANAGER LION AIR TERMINAL 1B "If our engineers and technical team say the flight was good to go, that means it was ready for operation. That's all we can say."

Indonesia is an archipelago made up of more than 17,000 islands. In the past couple of years, the economy has boomed tremendously. Now, more people can afford to use air transport making the industry an important contributor to the country's economy.

SILKINA AHLUWALIA JAKARTA "Although Indonesia has had a couple of fatal crashes and minor collisions in the past decade, its aviation industry has been making positive strides. The United States and European Union have lifted its ban on Indonesia's national carrier which means that the country is putting safety first and making serious progress."

Those markets have also increased the country's air safety rating. In the last two years, Indonesia has completely transformed its airline industry, passing tests and international audits.

CHAPPY HAKIM AVIATION EXPERT "I think if we take a look at the regulations, they are very clear. If we doing like the Lion Air, they're opening the door to accidents. The regulations and procedures are standard, moreover international standards. All the countries that is a member of the United Nations organizations automatically become contracting state of the International Civil organization."

As more affordable low-cost airlines enter the local market, frequency of travel will continue to increase each day and travelers need to know that their safety will always remain a priority. Silkina Ahluwalia, CGTN, Jakarta.