News Summary:
- Residents in the vicinity of Korowai Batu Airport were forced to evacuate their homes following a tragic plane shooting incident.
- Joint security forces have since secured the location, confirming that the situation is now under control.
- Locals are now advised to return to their villages as robust security measures remain in place.
Teknowarta Dozens of residents in Papua were forced to flee their homes and seek refuge after a harrowing shooting incident involving a Smart Air aircraft at Korowai Batu Airport. In the aftermath, combined security forces swiftly moved to secure the area, conducting thorough sweeps and patrols, and have since confirmed that the security situation is largely under control. Authorities are now urging these displaced citizens to return to their respective villages, assuring them that stability is being maintained and essential public services will continue uninterrupted.
A total of 39 residents were reported to have sought refuge in the Senggo area of South Papua, following the attack on the Smart Air plane at Korowai Batu Airport on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Kombes Yusuf Sutejo, Head of the Public Relations Task Force for Operation Damai Cartenz 2026, stated that the situation has gradually become conducive, expressing hope for residents to return to their homes and resume normal activities. “After the area was secured and the situation declared conducive, we hope the evacuated residents can return and public services can resume as usual,” Yusuf Sutejo confirmed in a statement on Thursday, February 12, 2026. He highlighted that the previous day’s shooting had instilled significant fear among the remote community, prompting dozens to abandon their homes out of concern for their safety.
Brigjen Faizal Ramadhani, Head of Operation Damai Cartenz 2026, affirmed that security forces acted with alacrity to secure the site and prevent any broader impact on civilians. “Since early morning, our personnel successfully secured the airport area and evacuated both victims to Timika. Public safety and regional stability are our top priorities,” Faizal emphasized. From 06:00 AM Eastern Indonesia Time (WIT) on Thursday, personnel from the Damai Cartenz 2026 Task Force, supported by the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), had entered and taken control of the Korowai Batu Airport area. Beyond evacuating the victims, forces also undertook sterilization procedures to ensure no further threats persisted. The security operation was executed in an integrated manner, involving 20 personnel from Operation Damai Cartenz and 12 personnel from the TNI Air Force’s Kopasgat (Special Forces Command). Crucially, coordination was also established with the TNI Army to bolster security around the airport, a vital access point for the region’s indigenous communities.
Chronology of the Smart Air Plane Shooting in Papua
AKBP Wisnu Perdana Putra, Head of the Boven Digoel Resort Police, recounted that the Smart Air plane departed from Tanah Merah, bound for Korowai Batu Airport in Danowage Village, carrying 13 passengers. “We received information around 11:00 AM WIT that a Smart Air plane with 13 people landed at Korowai Airport,” Wisnu confirmed on Wednesday afternoon, as reported by Kompas.com. However, the situation quickly escalated into terror upon the aircraft’s arrival at the landing site. The plane was reportedly fired upon by unknown individuals (OTK) while at Korowai Batu Airport. Wisnu further detailed that during the assault, the pilot, co-pilot, and passengers attempted to save themselves by fleeing into the dense forest surrounding the airport. Despite their efforts to hide, the pilot and co-pilot were eventually located by the assailants and forcibly brought back to the airfield, where they were tragically killed. “However, around 1:00 PM WIT, we received information that the pilot and co-pilot were found dead,” Wisnu stated. Fortunately, all 13 passengers aboard the plane were reported safe, identified as local residents. “The information we received is that both died, while the passengers are safe because they are local residents,” Wisnu clarified. As of now, the Smart Air plane remains at Korowai Batu Airport. The manifest for the 13 passengers aboard the Smart Air plane includes:
- Yance Bemanop
- Limu Gurik
- Yanduk Kogoya
- Turis Magai
- Emira Wonda
- Kiris
- Dua Lima Kogoya
- Inantius Kahipka
- Irfan Kahipka
- Samuel Jitmau
- Pania Mialika
- Topiu Kogoya
- Tialongga Kogoya
Police investigations suggest that the perpetrators behind the shooting of the Smart Air plane at Koroway Batu Airport, located in Yaniruma District, Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua, are believed to be members of an Armed Criminal Group (KKB). Kombes Yusuf Sutejo, Head of Public Relations for Operation Damai Cartenz, specified that the group suspected of involvement originates from the Yahukimo region. “The KKB from Yahukimo. The Cannibal and Red Ant KKB Battalion,” Yusuf informed reporters on Thursday, February 12, 2026. While the identity of the specific perpetrators has not yet been disclosed, Yusuf emphasized that security forces are actively pursuing the group responsible for this audacious act. “Still being hunted,” Yusuf confirmed, indicating an ongoing manhunt.
Article from KOMPAS.COM
Summary
A Smart Air plane was shot at Korowai Batu Airport in Papua on February 11, 2026, resulting in the tragic deaths of the pilot and co-pilot. This incident caused significant fear among local residents, prompting dozens to evacuate their homes, with 39 reportedly seeking refuge in the Senggo area. Joint security forces swiftly secured the airport, confirmed the safety of the 13 passengers, and declared the area under control by February 12, 2026.
Authorities are now urging displaced citizens to return to their villages, assuring them of maintained stability and uninterrupted public services. Police investigations suggest an Armed Criminal Group (KKB) from Yahukimo, specifically the Cannibal and Red Ant KKB Battalion, is responsible for the attack. Security forces are actively pursuing the perpetrators behind this audacious act.