Transport Ministry: Operators halting pioneer flights in Papua will not be sanctioned
Jakarta (ANTARA) — The Ministry of Transport has confirmed that operators who suspend pioneer flight services in Papua on security and aviation safety grounds will not be sanctioned.
Director General of Civil Aviation Lukman F. Laisa said the policy was adopted in response to the shooting of a Smart Cakrawala Aviation aircraft that resulted in the deaths of the pioneer flight’s pilot and co-pilot.
“The Directorate General of Civil Aviation affirms that operators who halt flights for security reasons will not be sanctioned,” Lukman said in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He added that pioneer flights may continue to operate provided the security conditions at destination airports are met. Operators have been granted full authority to conduct security assessments and decide on the continuation of operations in the interest of safety.
The Ministry of Transport, through its Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is treating the security conditions for pioneer flights in Papua with the utmost seriousness. This follows the shooting incident involving a Cessna Grand Caravan PK-SNR belonging to PT Smart Cakrawala Aviation on the Tanah Merah (TMH) – Danawage/Koroway Batu (DNW) route.
In the incident on 11 February 2026, the pilot and co-pilot of the pioneer aircraft were killed, allegedly shot in the Boven Digoel regency area of South Papua Province.
Lukman stressed that pioneer flights are a vital service supporting connectivity for the people of Papua, particularly for access to healthcare, education, logistics distribution, and basic mobility in remote areas, making their security absolutely critical.
He said the Ministry of Transport continues to coordinate with flight operators to heighten vigilance in operations across security-prone areas, given that current conditions are classified as extreme risk.
As a precautionary measure, the DGCA has temporarily suspended flight operations at eleven airports, service units, or airstrips deemed security-prone, with no set date for resumption.
The eleven pioneer airports 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.
“Operations at these airports will resume once security is provided by TNI/Police forces and conditions are declared conducive and meet aviation safety standards,” Lukman said.
In addition, five airports have been identified as having controlled security risks with TNI/Police protection in place, allowing flight operations to continue whilst monitoring developments in those areas.
The five airports are: Kiwirok Airport, Moanamani Airport, Sinak service unit in Ilaga, Agandugume service unit in Ilaga, and Illu Airport.
Following the shooting incident, the DGCA has prepared several strategic measures: firstly, the dispatch of official letters to the TNI/Police requesting enhanced security in certain areas; secondly, instructions to all pioneer flight regional coordinators to conduct intensive coordination with security forces.
Thirdly, the integration of security issues into the annual safety assessment for the Papua region; fourthly, a review of pioneer air transport contract clauses, including the strengthening of force majeure provisions related to security conditions.
The DGCA is also conducting risk-based airport mapping, developing special Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for aircrew in critical zones, and coordinating with the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs and law enforcement agencies regarding the investigation of the incident in accordance with aviation legislation.
“Going forward, we will emphasise the importance of strengthening the legal basis for temporary suspension of operations when security conditions are not met, as well as the need for a Joint Decree between regional governments and security forces to reinforce the implementation of pioneer air transport,” Lukman said.
Aviation safety and security remain the top priority. The DGCA is committed to cross-ministerial coordination with regional governments and security forces to ensure pioneer air transport services continue to operate on a safety-first basis.
He added that the shooting of the pilot and co-pilot of PK-SNR belonging to PT Smart Cakrawala Aviation has inflicted a deep wound on the air transport sector, whilst serving as a reminder of the immense risks of serving in Papua.
“We once again express our deepest condolences over the loss of the pilot and co-pilot of PK-SNR belonging to PT Smart Cakrawala Aviation whilst on duty. They are true heroes of transport,” Lukman said.