@troppo
The -300's single engine service ceiling is not much above 10,000ft density altitude on a good day.
@WingNut60
IMHO it is inappropriate for the Minister to engage the press in wild speculation and to pre-empt the Safety Board's investigative work.
That's our job at PPruNe!!!
In Indonesia the Safety Board (KNKT) isn't completely independent as it should be. The Minister can completely replace the board at his whim (as he did so last month). It's like having the NTSB under the FAA -- lots of conflicting interests. Who's brave enough to contradict the Minister?
There have been recent calls by congress (DPR) to revamp the KNKT as a truly independent agency, with board members nominated by the President instead of selected by the Minister of Transport. Probably a good idea.