9 Teachers and Nurses in Korowai Evacuated by TNI after KKB Shooting a Plane

JAKARTA - A total of nine teachers and medical personnel have been evacuated from Korowai, after the KKB shot down a Smart Air plane along with its two crew members to death.

The teacher and nurse are currently in Sentani, Jayapura Regency after being flown from Korowai, Boven Digoel Regency, Thursday afternoon, February 13, using a Codiak PK-MEF MAF plane piloted by Captain Thomas Allen Bolser.

Boven Digoel Regent, Roni Omba in Tanah Merah, Friday, said. The shooting that occurred in his area was a prominent incident and the first time it had occurred in Boven Digoel Regency, which caused deep concern for the local government and the entire community.

"This incident is a common grief for us in Boven Digoel and feels the impact, not only on the victims, but also on the sense of security that the community feels," said Regent Roni Omba, quoted by Antara.

He admitted that his party had appealed to religious figures, community leaders, and all elements who had influence among the people to play an active role in conveying a message to calm the people to remain calm and not be provoked by information that was not necessarily true.

Security forces have prepared steps to evacuate residents from the Koroway Batu airport, so that the process runs safely and is coordinated.

"The TNI and the National Police have prepared steps and are working hard to make the security situation conducive again," said Regent Roni Omba.

Head of Public Relations of the Papua Police, Kombes Cahyo Sukarnito, said the National Police paid full attention to the safety of educators and health workers who were victims of the security situation.

"The National Police ensures that every evacuation process is safe and it is a form of state responsibility to protect teachers and medical personnel who have dedicated themselves in the interior of Papua," said Kombes Cahyo.

The nine people evacuated were six of them teaching staff, namely Aan Suek, Risa, Ema, Monik, Yonar, and Nonik, and three nurses, namely, Sister Grace, Rifal, and Anton.