TNI Restores Security at 11 Pioneer Airports Previously Closed in Papua

The Commander of Joint Regional Defence Command (Pangkogabwilhan) III, Lieutenant General Bambang Trisnohadi, has confirmed that 11 pioneer airstrips across three Papua provinces are now fully secured by TNI personnel. This follows a temporary closure ordered by the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) in mid-February due to security disturbances from Armed Criminal Groups (KKB).

Trisnohadi conducted a direct inspection of several locations, including Manggelum District in Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua, on Monday (2/3/2026), accompanied by Air Force Regional Command III Commander Air Vice Marshal Azhar Aditama Djojosugito.

“Alhamdulillah, TNI personnel are now deployed at all pioneer airstrips and restoring conducive conditions in the Pegunungan Papua, South Papua, and Central Papua regions. These airstrips, whose security we guarantee, will soon reopen for public use,” Trisnohadi stated.

Integrated security operations have been established to protect flight operations from KKB/TPNPB-OPM interference. The secured airstrips include Iwur, Teiraplu, Aboy, Korowai Batu Bomakia, Yaniruma, Manggelum, Beoga, Dagai, Fawi, and Kapiraya.

Beyond physical security, the TNI has deployed personnel from the Air Force’s Rapid Deployment Command (Kopasgat) to assist with Air Traffic Control (ATC) operations, ensuring aviation safety in these remote areas.

Trisnohadi emphasised that pioneer airstrips are the lifeline for inland Papua communities surrounded by extreme geography. Without air access, logistics distribution, healthcare, and educational access for residents would completely collapse.

“God willing, the lifelines of social, economic, and health life for our brothers and sisters in remote areas will pulse again. This demonstrates the state’s commitment to protecting people and ensuring development continues,” he said.

TNI presence at the pioneer airstrips has received warm support from traditional leaders, community figures, and local religious leaders, who hope air connectivity returns to normal to prevent basic supplies shortages.

With security restored at these 11 vital points, the TNI believes regional economic growth in Indonesia’s outermost areas will revive. Trisnohadi called upon all community elements in Papua to jointly protect the transport infrastructure as a symbol of national sovereignty.