11 Pioneer Airfields in Three Papua Regions Secured by TNI Personnel to Restore Security
The Commander of Joint Regional Defence Command III (Pangkogabwilhan III) Lieutenant General Bambang Trisnohadi has confirmed that 11 pioneer airfields across three Papuan regions have been fully secured by TNI personnel, following an incident in which an armed criminal group (KKB) shot a pilot.
“Thank God, TNI personnel are now stationed at all pioneer airfields and have restored stability in the three Papuan regions of Papua Pegunungan, Papua Selatan, and Papua Tengah, which were previously closed by the Ministry of Transportation on 16 February,” Bambang stated in a briefing confirmed in Jakarta on Monday, 2 March 2026.
Bambang made the statement after making a direct visit together with the Commander of Air Force Regional Command III (Pangkodau III) Air Marshal Azhar Aditama Djojosugito and other TNI personnel to several pioneer airfields, including one in Manggelum District, Boven Digoel Regency, Papua Selatan.
The 11 pioneer airfields, which are guarded 24 hours daily by TNI personnel, comprise Iwur, Teiraplu, and Aboy airfields in Papua Pegunungan; Korowai, Batu Bomakia, Yaniruma, and Manggelum airfields in Papua Selatan; and Beoga, Dagai, Fawi, and Kapiraya airfields in Papua Tengah.
Security operations are being conducted in an integrated manner to ensure flight operations proceed safely and smoothly. In addition to securing airfield areas, the TNI also supports air traffic services through the Air Force’s Rapid Deployment Force (Korpasgat), which assists in air traffic control functions.
This land and air coordination demonstrates TNI readiness in protecting national vital infrastructure in vulnerable regions.
According to Bambang, the restoration of security at the 11 pioneer airfields demonstrates state presence in safeguarding territorial sovereignty and ensuring public safety in Papua. He emphasised that pioneer airfields in Papua are not merely air transport infrastructure, particularly in regions with dense forests, mountains, and hills. The airfields serve as vital lifelines for communities, functioning as critical logistics distribution routes, healthcare services, educational access, and economic mobility for inland populations.
“Together with all elements of the nation in Papua, let us protect and maintain pioneer airfields as symbols of sovereignty, progress, and prosperity for Papua within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia,” he said.