2 Pilots Killed by KKB in South Papua Korowai Evacuated to Timika

The process of evacuating the bodies of the Smart Air Pilot and Co Pilot was carried out by the combined TNI-Polri apparatus at Korowai Airport, Boven Digoel Regency, Thursday (12/2/2026). ANTARA/HO-Humas Satgas Damai Cartenz

JAKARTA - The TNI-Polri joint apparatus evacuated the bodies of Smart Air pilot Captain Enggon and Co-pilot Captain Baskoro who were shot dead by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) while landing at Korowai Airport, Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua, Wednesday, February 11.

Head of the 2026 Cartenz Peace Operation, Brigadier General Pol Faizal Ramadhani, in a written statement received by ANTARA, Thursday, said that the two bodies were immediately evacuated by the Cartenz Peace Task Force together with TNI personnel to Mimika Regency, Central Papua.

"Since this morning, our personnel have managed to secure the airport area and evacuated the two victims to Timika. The safety of the community and the stability of the region are our top priorities," he said.

He explained that the two bodies were flown to Mimika Hospital for identification and autopsy. After the autopsy was completed, the bodies would be sent to Jakarta to be handed over to the family.

Faizal ensured that all 13 passengers on the plane were safe. The passengers, who are local residents, have secured themselves and returned to their respective homes.

Head of Public Relations and Public Relations of Ops Damai Cartenz 2026 Kombes Pol Yusuf Sutejo said that security was carried out in a coordinated manner with the TNI element.

"The troops have entered and secured the location including the plane. The evacuation of the victims is complete, we focus on sterilizing the area and ensuring a conducive situation," he said.

A total of 20 personnel from Ops Damai Cartenz and 12 personnel from Kopasgat TNI AU were deployed to the location for security.

For the time being, the Tanah Merah-Korowai route flight was stopped until the situation was declared safe. The apparatus also carried out a pursuit of the group of perpetrators suspected of being involved in the shooting.