Government Evaluates Airport Security in Papua After Plane Shooting

The bodies of the pilot and co-pilot of the Smart Air plane, victims of the KKB shooting in Korowai Batu, arrived in Timika, Thursday (12/2). (ANTARA/HO/Cartenz Peace Task Force)

JAKARTA - The Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs (Kemenko Polkam) evaluated the airport security system in the Papua region after the shooting of the Cessna Grand Caravan PK-SNR plane some time ago.

Meanwhile, the plane belonging to PT Smart Cakrawala Aviation serves the Tanah Merah-Danawage/Koroway Batu route.

This was discussed in a coordination meeting themed "Threats to National Air Security and Public Facilities in the Papua Region" held at the Ministry of Defense building, Jakarta, Friday, February 20.

"The government has taken quick, measured and coordinated steps by conducting a thorough evaluation of the flight security system in Papua," he said as quoted by ANTARA.

The result of the evaluation is that the government temporarily closed a number of airports in Papua to ensure the safety of the crew and the community.

The closure also gives space and time for strengthening security by the TNI and Polri.

The Deputy for State Defense and National Unity Coordination of the Ministry of Defense, Major General TNI Purwito Hadi Wardhono, emphasized in the coordination meeting that the government would always be present in protecting the community and various vital objects, one of which is the airport.

The government, he said, will not bow to any armed group that threatens public security and will investigate thoroughly in accordance with applicable laws.

At the end of the meeting, Purwito emphasized that the state was always present and working to ensure that Papua remained safe and conducive.

"Security stability in Papua is a major prerequisite for the implementation of public services, the sustainability of development, the strengthening of connectivity, and the maintenance of the integrity and sovereignty of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia," he said.

With this coordination meeting, he hopes that the security system of the region, especially the airport in Papua, will be stronger for the creation of security stability.