Air force to secure Papua airstrips after fatal Smart Air attack

  The Indonesian Air Force is ready to secure airstrips closed after a shooting attack on a Smart Air plane claimed the lives of its pilot and co-pilot in Korowai, South Papua, a senior commander said 

Silas Papare Air Base Commander Air Commodore Mokhamad Mukhson told ANTARA in Jayapura that the military is prepared to safeguard airports shut following the fatal incident in Boven Digoel District.

He stated that the Air Force has recommended reopening 11 airstrips across Papua and pledged security guarantees to ensure flight operations resume safely in areas previously considered vulnerable to armed attacks.

Through its Rapid Action Forces Command (Kopasgat) unit, the Air Force stands ready to secure operations at the 11 airstrips temporarily closed over security concerns, he added.

“We hope that with these recommendations and security guarantees, airport operations can return to normal so communities can once again be properly served,” Mukhson said.

The Transportation Ministry closed 11 airstrips due to security risks: Korowai Batu service unit, Bomakia Airport, Yaniruma, Manggelum, Kapiraya, Iwur, Fawi, Dagai, Aboy, Teraplu, and Beoga.

An armed group led by Elkius Kobak attacked Smart Air flight PK-SNR as it landed at Korowai airstrip on Feb. 11. The assault claimed the lives of pilot Captain Enggo and co-pilot Captain Baskoro, prompting authorities to suspend operations at several remote airstrips in the region.

Earlier, Cartenz Peace Task Force operations chief Brigadier General Faizal Rahmadani said investigators found 20 members of an armed criminal group, known as KKB, carried out the attack.

The attackers emerged from a nearby lodge and opened fire on the aircraft, forcing passengers and crew to flee.

The shooting occurred around 10:30 a.m. local time on Wednesday, Feb. 11, as flight PK-SNR prepared to depart for Dekai in Yahukimo District.

Authorities identified the perpetrators as members of the Kanibal and Semut Merah KKB factions led by Elkius Kobak.

A crime scene investigation found 13 bullet impacts on the aircraft, with police documenting 23 points of damage.

Witnesses said the shooting began after the plane landed and the pilot restarted the engines. The gunmen then pursued and fatally shot the pilot and co-pilot. Their bodies have since been returned to their hometowns for burial.

Witnesses noted they did not recognize the assailants, who were believed not to be local Korowai residents.

“Cartenz Peace Task Force is currently enforcing the law against the perpetrators,” Faizal said.