Retrieval of bodies, plane wreckage top priority: Jokowi

"I had just came back from the search location a couple of hours ago and saw the situation for myself.

"First thing tomorrow morning, all ships and helicopters will carry out a massive operation to carry out the retrieval process.

"I have instructed Basarnas (Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency) to get all involved to do a joint operation to retrieve the plane and the bodies of passengers and crew members," he told a press conference in Sidoarjo in East Java tonight.

He also thanked all parties involved in the search operation, including those from neighbouring countries, for the support they have given.

"As for the families of the crash victims, I feel your loss. I pray for your strength in facing this tragedy," he added.

Adding to that, AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, in addressing the media at the same location, said it is crucial to bring the evacuation process to a conclusion as quickly as possible.

"It is too early and too speculative (to determine the cause of the crash)... there were some very unique weather conditions. Let's wait for the investigation to be completed.

"The plan for AirAsia now is for us to work together with Basarnas and all regulators to ensure we bring speedy closure for the families.

"We continue to support the families through this in hope it could be less painful. It won't change anything, it's a horrible experience but we will try to do our best. That is our focus right now," he said.

"We've been informed by Basarnas that they will work as quickly as possible. There are so many parameters like the weather, but we hope we can finish the evacuation by tomorrow itself if the weather is good," Fernandes added.