13 Smart Air Plane Passengers Who Were Trapped by KKB Have Returned Home

The evacuation of the bodies of Smart Air crew members who were shot by KKB in Korowai Batu, Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua. (ANTARA/HO/Cartenz Peace Task Force)

JAKARTA - Kaops of the Cartenz Peace Task Force, Brigadier General Faizal Rahmadani, said the 13 passengers of the Smart Air plane who were shot by the KKB shortly after landing at the Korowai Batu airport, Boven Digoel Regency were local residents.

"It is true that the 13 passengers of the plane with flight number PK-SNR have returned to their homes because they are residents of Korowai Batu," said Brigadier General Faizal Rahmadani as reported by ANTARA, Thursday, February 12.

From the report received, the 13 passengers were local residents who, when the incident occurred, immediately secured themselves to their respective homes.

"Meanwhile, the crew of the unfortunate aircraft, namely Captain Enggo and Captain Baskoro, who tried to escape were chased and shot by KKB members," said Brigadier General Faizal.

The Cartenz Peace Task Force personnel, assisted by the TNI at around 06.00 WIT, had entered and controlled the situation around the Korowai airport and evacuated the two pioneer crew members who were victims of the shooting that occurred on Wednesday (11/2).

The steps taken to ensure that the situation does not spread further given the safety of the community and the stability of the region are the top priority.

For the two bodies that have been flown to Timika, said Brigadier General Faizal, after the identification and autopsy process and the autopsy were completed, they will be sent to Jakarta to be handed over to the family.

"Alhamdulillah, this morning the troops have entered and secured the location and focused on sterilizing the area and ensuring that the situation is really conducive," said Brigadier General Faizal.