20 Suspects Identified in Smart Air Aircraft Shooting, Four Arrested

The hunt for the perpetrators of the Smart Air aircraft shooting at Korowai Airport in South Papua is beginning to bear fruit. The Damai Cartenz Operations Task Force, together with the Papua Regional Police Mobile Brigade and Yahukimo District Police, have successfully arrested four suspects.

The arrests were carried out over the past two days following the incident that shook the pioneer aviation sector in Papua. The Head of the Damai Cartenz Operations Task Force, Police Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, revealed that a total of 20 individuals have been identified as suspects.

“Over the past two days, officers have apprehended four people. Two of them have been confirmed to be involved in a number of violent acts, identified by the initials GW and EH. The other two are still undergoing examination and further investigation,” he said on Monday, 16 February 2026.

Based on witness statements and accounts from surviving passengers, the group of perpetrators allegedly used three to four long-barrelled firearms during the attack. They also carried traditional weapons such as spears, arrows and machetes. The type and origin of the firearms are still being identified by authorities.

Faizal said the armed group operating in the Yahukimo area is estimated to number around 200 individuals, spread across small groups. Since January 2026 until last week, 23 cases of violence allegedly involving the group have been recorded.

“The victims in this series of violent acts are civilians, ranging from pilots and drivers to workers helping to build schools. The state must not be defeated by terror. We will ensure that law enforcement is carried out professionally, proportionately and based on evidence,” he said.

The Deputy Head of the Damai Cartenz Operations Task Force, Senior Commissioner Adarma Sinaga, added that the law enforcement operation is being conducted in an integrated manner — not only through repressive measures but also preventive and pre-emptive approaches.

“We are not only focused on pursuing the perpetrators but also ensuring that the public continues to feel safe and that pioneer aviation services can operate. We continue to strengthen airport security, patrols and cross-unit coordination to further restrict the movement of armed groups,” said Adarma.

He stressed that the safety of citizens remains the top priority in every action taken by the authorities.