{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1568505,
        "msgid": "air-force-to-secure-papua-airstrips-after-fatal-smart-air-attack-1771928946",
        "date": "2026-02-24 13:08:47",
        "title": "Air Force to secure Papua airstrips after fatal Smart Air attack",
        "author": "",
        "source": "ANTARA_EN",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Infrastructure",
        "summary": "The Indonesian Air Force has committed to securing 11 airstrips across Papua that were temporarily closed following a deadly armed attack on a Smart Air aircraft in Boven Digoel District on 11 February. The assault, carried out by 20 members of an armed criminal group (KKB) led by Elkius Kobak, killed two pilots and resulted in significant damage to the aircraft.",
        "content": "<p>Silas Papare Air Base Commander Air Commodore Mokhamad Mukhson told\nANTARA in Jayapura that the military is prepared to safeguard airports\nshut following the fatal incident in Boven Digoel District.<\/p>\n<p>He stated that the Air Force has recommended reopening 11 airstrips\nacross Papua and pledged security guarantees to ensure flight operations\nresume safely in areas previously considered vulnerable to armed\nattacks.<\/p>\n<p>Through its Rapid Action Forces Command (Kopasgat) unit, the Air\nForce stands ready to secure operations at the 11 airstrips temporarily\nclosed over security concerns, he added.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe hope that with these recommendations and security guarantees,\nairport operations can return to normal so communities can once again be\nproperly served,\u201d Mukhson said.<\/p>\n<p>The Transportation Ministry closed 11 airstrips due to security\nrisks: Korowai Batu service unit, Bomakia Airport, Yaniruma, Manggelum,\nKapiraya, Iwur, Fawi, Dagai, Aboy, Teraplu, and Beoga.<\/p>\n<p>An armed group led by Elkius Kobak attacked Smart Air flight PK-SNR\nas it landed at Korowai airstrip on Feb.\u00a011. The assault claimed the\nlives of pilot Captain Enggo and co-pilot Captain Baskoro, prompting\nauthorities to suspend operations at several remote airstrips in the\nregion.<\/p>\n<p>Earlier, Cartenz Peace Task Force operations chief Brigadier General\nFaizal Rahmadani said investigators found 20 members of an armed\ncriminal group, known as KKB, carried out the attack.<\/p>\n<p>The attackers emerged from a nearby lodge and opened fire on the\naircraft, forcing passengers and crew to flee.<\/p>\n<p>The shooting occurred around 10:30 a.m. local time on Wednesday,\nFeb.\u00a011, as flight PK-SNR prepared to depart for Dekai in Yahukimo\nDistrict.<\/p>\n<p>Authorities identified the perpetrators as members of the Kanibal and\nSemut Merah KKB factions led by Elkius Kobak.<\/p>\n<p>A crime scene investigation found 13 bullet impacts on the aircraft,\nwith police documenting 23 points of damage.<\/p>\n<p>Witnesses said the shooting began after the plane landed and the\npilot restarted the engines. The gunmen then pursued and fatally shot\nthe pilot and co-pilot. Their bodies have since been returned to their\nhometowns for burial.<\/p>\n<p>Witnesses noted they did not recognize the assailants, who were\nbelieved not to be local Korowai residents.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCartenz Peace Task Force is currently enforcing the law against the\nperpetrators,\u201d Faizal said.<\/p>\n<p>Related news: Ministry temporarily closes 11 Papua pioneer airports\nafter shooting<\/p>\n<p>Related news: Task force: 20 KKB members behind Smart Air shooting in\nSouth Papua<\/p>\n<p>Translator: Evarukdijati, Rahmad Nasution<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/air-force-to-secure-papua-airstrips-after-fatal-smart-air-attack-1771928946",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}