TNI-Polri Standby 1 After Contact Shoot With KKB At Ilaga Papua Airport

JAKARTA - The combined TNI and Polri apparatus are still on guard around Aminggaru Ilaga Airport after a gun battle with the Armed Separatist Group (KSB). In addition, the joint apparatus is also conducting searches around the airport.

"The security apparatus in the Ilaga complex is still on alert 1," said Kapendam XVII / Cenderawasih Lt. Col. Arm Reza Nur Patria in a written statement, Friday, February 19.

Meanwhile, one member of the armed separatist group who was involved in the firefight is currently on his way to be evacuated to the Ilaga Puskesmas.

"Let's pray together that the situation in Papua Province will become more conducive, safe and peaceful," he said.

Previously, armed contact between TNI-Polri personnel and armed criminal groups (KKB) broke out around the runway (Runway) of Ilaga Airport, Puncak Regency, Papua. One KKB person was shot dead by a firearm by an officer.

Head of Public Relations of the Papua Police, Kombes Ahmad Kamal, confirmed this firefight. The shootout which lasted for about 2.5 hours started when KKB shot at officers around Ilaga Airport at around 09.20 WIT.

"Initially the KKB opened fire on Paskhas members who were on duty at Ilaga Airport, causing a gun battle," said Kamal in Jayapura as reported by Antara, Friday, February 19.

He said members of the Puncak Polres and TNI AD in Ilaga strengthened Paskhas members.

Based on the reports received, it was recorded that five members of the KKB were using short guns when the shootout occurred. Regarding the identity of the KKB members who died in the firefight, Kamal admitted that he did not know his exact identity.