TNI AU Ready to Guard 11 Airports in Papua

JAKARTA - The Commander of the TNI Air Force Base, Silas Papar, First Marshal of the TNI Mokhamad Mukhson, said he was ready to secure the airport which was previously closed after the shooting case against the Smart Air plane which killed the pilot and co-pilot in Korowai, Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua.

The TNI AU also recommends that 11 airports in Papua be operated again,

"Hopefully, with recommendations and security guarantees, the operation of lapter can return to normal so that the community can be served," he said, quoted by ANTARA, Monday, February 23.

The Ministry of Transportation closed 11 airports in Papua because they were prone to security disturbances, namely the Batu Korowai Service Unit, Bomakia Airport, Yaniruma Satpel, Manggelum Satpel, Lapter Kapiraya, Lapter Iwur, Lapter Fawi, Lapter Dagai, Lapter Aboy, Lapter Teraplu and Lapter Beoga.

The KKB led by Elkius Kobak attacked by firing at a Smart Air plane with the flight number PK-SNR while landing at Karowai Airport on Wednesday (12/2) when it was about to fly to Dekai.

As a result of the attack, Captain Pilot Enggo and Captain Baskoro died from KKB gunfire.