Komnas HAM: No Security Personnel Present When KKB Shot Smart Air Plane
Komnas HAM has discovered that there were no security personnel at Karoway Batu Airport in Yahukimo Regency, Papua, the site of the shooting of a Smart Air plane by an armed criminal group (KKB).
This finding was obtained after Komnas HAM sought statements from various parties, inspected the incident location, and studied related documents.
“We also found that Koroway Batu Airport has no security personnel at all,” said Komnas HAM Commissioner Saurlin Siagian during a press conference on Thursday (23/4).
From Komnas HAM’s in-depth investigation, Saurlin said, the two deceased victims, who were the pilot and co-pilot, suffered gunshot wounds to the head. Additionally, both victims had slash wounds on several parts of their bodies caused by sharp objects.
“The two victims were suspected by the perpetrators of assisting security apparatus operations. There are 13 bullet holes on the aircraft’s body,” he stated.
“Another finding is that the perpetrators are part of, or at least declared themselves as part of, TPNPB-OPM Kodap XVII Yahukimo,” he added.
Regarding this case, Komnas HAM recommends that the National Police Chief oversee law enforcement by the Papua Regional Police and Boven Digoel Police Resort to ensure it is carried out professionally, transparently, and justly.
“Second, strengthen security in vulnerable areas, especially pioneer airports in Boven Digoel, by deploying personnel from the apparatus who understand local wisdom,” Saurlin said.
Finally, Komnas HAM also urges the police to synergise with local government and community figures in deploying and strengthening personnel in Yaniruma District and Kawagit.
Previously, the Smart Air plane carrying 13 passengers was shot at while landing at Koroway Batu Airport on Wednesday (11/2) around 11:00 WIT.
Head of Public Relations of Papua Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Cahyo Sukarnito, stated that the Cessna aircraft with registration number PK-SNR departed from Tanah Merah Airport at 10:35 WIT bound for Koroway Batu.
Upon arrival at the destination, he said, the plane piloted by Captain Egon Erawan and Captain Baskoro was shot at by an unknown group.
“Around 11:00 WIT, Boven Digoel Police Resort received information from Tanah Merah Airport office that a shooting had occurred at Koroway Batu Airport,” he explained.
He described that the shooting came from the direction of the forest beside the Koroway Batu Airport area. Cahyo confirmed that both the pilot and co-pilot of the aircraft were killed in the shooting incident.
“At 13:27 WIT, Boven Digoel Police Resort received information of casualties from the attack, namely two people suspected to be the pilot and co-pilot,” he clarified.