Task Force Coordinates on Closure of 11 Airstrips in Papua

Jayapura (ANTARA) — The Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force (Satgas ODC) will carry out cross-sectoral coordination regarding the closure of 11 airstrips in Papua following a shooting incident by armed criminal groups (KKB) that killed the pilot and co-pilot of a Smart Air aircraft.

“We have indeed just received the letter regarding the closure of 11 airstrips and will immediately coordinate on the ground,” said Cartenz Peace Task Force Operations Commander Brigadier General Faizal Rahmadani in Jayapura on Wednesday.

The former Deputy Chief of Papua Police said the decision also required reassessment, as some of the 11 closed airstrips do not face particularly high threat levels.

“For example, Beoga Airstrip in Puncak Regency, which is among the 11 closures — although the area is a transit route for armed groups, disruption to aircraft has so far been relatively minimal,” he said.

“Therefore, more coordinated cross-sectoral activities are needed to discuss this matter, given that most of these airstrips serve as vital entry and exit points for both logistics and residents,” he added.

The Ministry of Transport had previously suspended operations at 11 airports, service units and airstrips over security concerns.

The 11 airstrips in Papua temporarily closed are Koroway Batu Service Unit, Bomakia Airport, Yaniruma Service Unit, Manggelum Service Unit, Kapiraya Airstrip, Iwur Airstrip, Faowi Airstrip, Dagai Airstrip, Aboy Airstrip, Teraplu Airstrip and Beoga Airstrip.

In addition, five airports have been classified as vulnerable but manageable: Kiwirok Airport, Moanamani Airport, Sinak Service Unit in Ilaga, Agandugume Service Unit in Ilaga, and Illu Airport.