Papua Police Chief Assures to Help TNI AU Secure 11 Airports from KKB Threats

Papua Police Chief Irjen Patrige Renwarin accompanied by the Commander of the Silas Papare Air Base, Marsma TNI Mokh. Mukhson in Jayapura. (ANTARA/Evarukdijati)

JAKARTA - Papua Police Chief Inspector General Patrige Renwarin said the Papua Police were ready to help the Air Force secure 11 airports that would resume operations.

Previously, the Ministry of Transportation closed 11 airports in Papua as an impact of the shooting of a plane that killed the pilot and co-pilot of Smart Air in Korowai Batu.

"Polda Papua is ready to help the TNI AU secure the lapter which was previously closed," said the Police Chief, as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, February 24.

According to Inspector General Patrige, airport and airport security was carried out by the Indonesian Air Force through the Kopasgat Task Force and the National Police to help secure kamtibmas in the area.

"Hopefully, the 11 lapter that were previously closed can be reopened so that the community can get services considering the plane is the only transportation to and from the area," he continued.

Commander of the Silas Papare Air Base, Marsma TNI Mokh. Mukhson said his party had recommended 11 airports that had previously been closed to be opened and operated again.

"We are ready to secure the airport, which was previously closed after the shooting incident against the Smart Air plane, which killed the pilot and co-pilot in Korowai, Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua," he said.

According to him, the recommendation to reopen the operation of 11 airports was carried out by providing security guarantees.