Papua Police Ready to Assist Air Force in Securing 11 Airstrips

Jayapura (ANTARA) — Papua Regional Police Chief Inspector General Patrige Renwarin has stated that the Papua Regional Police are ready to assist the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) in securing 11 airstrips that are set to resume operations.

The Ministry of Transport had previously closed 11 airstrips across Papua following the shooting of an aircraft that killed the pilot and co-pilot of Smart Air in Korowai Batu.

“The Papua Regional Police are ready to assist the Air Force in securing the airstrips that were previously closed,” Papua Police Chief Inspector General Patrige Renwarin told Antara on Tuesday in Jayapura.

He explained that the airstrip and airport security operations would be carried out by the Air Force through the Kopasgat Task Force, with police assisting in maintaining public order in the areas.

“Hopefully the 11 airstrips that were previously closed can be reopened so that communities can receive services, given that aircraft are the sole means of transport to and from these areas,” said Inspector General Renwarin.

Silas Papare Air Base Commander Air Vice Marshal Mokh. Mukhson said his office had recommended that the 11 previously closed airstrips be reopened and resume operations.

“We are ready to secure the airstrips that were previously closed following the shooting incident against the Smart Air aircraft that killed the pilot and co-pilot in Korowai, Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua,” said Air Vice Marshal Mukhson.

According to him, the recommendation to reopen operations at the 11 airstrips was made with security guarantees in place.

The Air Force, through the Kopasgat Task Force, is prepared to secure flight operations at the 11 currently closed airstrips. The airstrips closed across Papua due to security threats are: the Korowai Batu Service Unit, Bomakia Airport, Yaniruma Service Unit, Manggelum Service Unit, Kapiraya Airstrip, Iwur Airstrip, Fawi Airstrip, Dagai Airstrip, Aboy Airstrip, Teraplu Airstrip, and Beoga Airstrip, said Air Vice Marshal Mukhson.