Re Sam’s update….
I am familiar with both investigative agencies involved here (KNKT, Indonesia, and MAK, Russia) and, though I have more respect for both (especially MAK) than many “Western” observers, the latter part of the quoted press release smacks of a problem both agencies still have.
Signing a joint statement this early in the investigation, and with NO DFDR information available, (basically as a
PR move for Sukhoi) saying that no technical malfunctions were detected prior to impact, is both unwise and unprofessional. If Sukhoi wants to issue such a statement, fine; but for the investigative agencies to do so at this point is a different matter, regardless of whether the statement ends up to be true or false in the end.
(Edited to add: My comments apply only IF the quote from Sukhoi is correct re both agencies signining a statement.)