S. Papua plane shooting: 2 crew dead, investigation underway
“The meeting was held at the request of the presidential palace to review post-attack handling by security forces after the shooting by an armed criminal group (KKB),” Apolo said Friday.
During the firefight between security forces and KKB, health workers, civil servants, and residents in Danowage evacuated for safety, the governor said.
“We immediately evacuated the community, including 29 medical personnel,” Apolo added.
The 29 health workers were first moved from Yaniruma Subdistrict to Zenggo in Mappi District, then to Tanah Merah in Boven Digoel, he said.
Civil servants in Yaniruma were also relocated to Tanah Merah, with authorities hoping conditions stabilize to allow normal activities to resume.
Apolo noted that the provincial government’s swift response following the Smart Air attack drew praise from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Earlier, Cartenz Peace Task Force Operations Chief Brig. Gen. Faizal Rahmadani said the investigation found 20 KKB members carried out the attack at Karowai airstrip.
The attackers reportedly emerged from a nearby lodge and fired at the aircraft, forcing passengers and crew to flee.
The shooting occurred Wednesday, Feb. 11, as flight PK-SNR prepared to continue to Dekai in Yahukimo District, Faizal said.
Authorities identified the perpetrators as the Kanibal and Semut Merah KKB factions led by Elkius Kobak from Yahukimo.
Scene investigation found 13 bullet impacts on the plane, with 23 points of damage documented by police.
Witnesses said the shooting began around 10:30 a.m. local time when the plane landed and the pilot was restarting engines; passengers and crew evacuated for safety.
The KKB then pursued and fatally shot the pilot and co-pilot; their bodies have been returned to their hometowns for burial.
Witnesses said they did not recognize the assailants, who are believed not to be local Korowai residents.
“Cartenz Peace Task Force is currently enforcing the law against the perpetrators,” Faizal said.
Related news: Ministry temporarily closes 11 Papua pioneer airports after shooting
Translator: Ardiles L, Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2026
During the firefight between security forces and KKB, health workers, civil servants, and residents in Danowage evacuated for safety, the governor said.
“We immediately evacuated the community, including 29 medical personnel,” Apolo added.
The 29 health workers were first moved from Yaniruma Subdistrict to Zenggo in Mappi District, then to Tanah Merah in Boven Digoel, he said.
Civil servants in Yaniruma were also relocated to Tanah Merah, with authorities hoping conditions stabilize to allow normal activities to resume.
Apolo noted that the provincial government’s swift response following the Smart Air attack drew praise from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Earlier, Cartenz Peace Task Force Operations Chief Brig. Gen. Faizal Rahmadani said the investigation found 20 KKB members carried out the attack at Karowai airstrip.
The attackers reportedly emerged from a nearby lodge and fired at the aircraft, forcing passengers and crew to flee.
The shooting occurred Wednesday, Feb. 11, as flight PK-SNR prepared to continue to Dekai in Yahukimo District, Faizal said.
Authorities identified the perpetrators as the Kanibal and Semut Merah KKB factions led by Elkius Kobak from Yahukimo.
Scene investigation found 13 bullet impacts on the plane, with 23 points of damage documented by police.
Witnesses said the shooting began around 10:30 a.m. local time when the plane landed and the pilot was restarting engines; passengers and crew evacuated for safety.
The KKB then pursued and fatally shot the pilot and co-pilot; their bodies have been returned to their hometowns for burial.
Witnesses said they did not recognize the assailants, who are believed not to be local Korowai residents.
“Cartenz Peace Task Force is currently enforcing the law against the perpetrators,” Faizal said.
Related news: Ministry temporarily closes 11 Papua pioneer airports after shooting
Translator: Ardiles L, Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2026