4 Armed Criminal Group Members Arrested, Including Smart Air Aircraft Shooters

The Damai Cartenz Operation Task Force has arrested four members of an armed criminal group (KKB) in Yahukimo, Highland Papua, who had frequently carried out acts of violence. Two of them are suspected of involvement in the shooting of Smart Air aircraft PK-SNR in Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua.

Head of Public Relations for Damai Cartenz Operation Task Force 2026, Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, initially revealed that approximately 20 KKB members were suspected of shooting at the Smart Air aircraft. His team is still interrogating two KKB members with the initials GW and EH who have been apprehended.

“Of the approximately 20 individuals suspected of involvement in the shooting of the Smart Air pioneer aircraft crew on 11 February, two have been successfully identified and are currently undergoing further investigation,” said Yusuf in his statement on Monday (16/2/2026).

His team has also taken statements from the Smart Air aircraft passengers who survived the shooting. During the attack, the perpetrators carried firearms and bladed weapons of various types.

“It is estimated that three to four long-barrelled firearms were used by the perpetrators, whilst others carried bladed weapons such as spears, arrows, and machetes. The type and origin of the firearms are still being identified,” he explained.

Yusuf confirmed that the perpetrators are still being pursued. A number of police personnel have also been deployed to provide security in the Boven Digoel area.