Passengers stood on the wings, waiting for rescue boats to arrive, moments after the Boeing 737 plunged into the water.
The plane floated, even though a crack opened in its fuselage.
Thirty two people ended up being taken the hospital to be checked out for minor injuries.
Lion Air is an Indonesian carrier. The company says the jetliner is brand new and started flying it last month.
There were no Americans on the flight.
