2 Smart Air Crew Shot by KKB, Police Deployed to Secure Batu Korowai

JAYAPURA - The Cartenz Peace Task Force deployed Polri personnel to secure the Korowai Batu or Danowage area, Yaniruma District, Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua, following the absence of a police station or police officers serving in the area.

Kaops Satgas Damai Cartenz Brigjen Faizal Rahmadani said that the deployment of personnel was carried out to prevent security disturbances from the Armed Criminal Group (KKB).

"Until now, there are no members of the police serving in that area, so the Cartenz Peace Task Force has deployed personnel to secure the area from KKB interference," said Faizal Rahmadani when contacted from Jayapura, Antara, Thursday, February 12.

Faizal, who also serves as Deputy Chief of the Papua Police, explained that the Cartenz Peace Task Force team had arrived at Korowai Batu after receiving information regarding the shooting of the Smart Air plane shortly after landing at the local airport.

In the incident, two Smart Air crew members, Captain Enggo and Captain Baskoro, reportedly tried to save themselves by getting out of the plane. However, the two were chased and shot by the armed group.

The bodies of the two crew members were evacuated from the scene and flown to Timika, Mimika Regency, Central Papua.

"It is true that the bodies of the two KKB shooting victims have been evacuated to Timika," said Faizal, who had just returned from Korowai Batu.

The shooting incident occurred when a Smart Air plane carrying 13 passengers from Tanah Merah, Boven Digoel Regency, landed at the Korowai Batu airport. Security forces are now securing the area and deepening the incident.