BOVEN DIGOEL – The shooting incident against the pioneer plane occurred again in the South Papua region. Smart Air aircraft with registration PK-SNR was reportedly shot by an unknown person shortly after landing at Korowai Batu Airport (Danowage), Yaniruma District, Boven Digoel Regency, Wednesday (11/2/2026) afternoon.
Based on the initial report, the plane arrived from Tanah Merah Airport and has completed the landing process in normal conditions. All passengers were said to have got off the cabin when a sudden gunshot was heard from around the airport.
The situation suddenly turned into panic. Passengers ran around looking for protection to the forest area around the airport to avoid gunfire. In that precarious condition, the pilot and co-pilot tried to leave the plane area to save themselves, but both were shot when they were around the runway.
The authorities confirmed that two crew members died as a result of the incident. Meanwhile, the condition of other passengers is still in the process of data collection and monitoring by officers in the field.
Head of Cartenz Peace Operation 2026, Brigadier General of Police. Faizal Ramadhani, said that his party received the report of the incident during the day and immediately took a quick response.
“We received a report of a shooting against a pioneer plane in the Korowai area, Boven Digoel Regency. Initial information said there was a victim. Right now we are focusing on taking handling steps in the field,” said Brigadier General Faizal.
He explained, the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force has deployed additional personnel to Boven Digoel to strengthen security as well as conduct an investigation.
“This afternoon we have sent troops to the area to conduct a direct situation assessment, secure the location, and prepare evacuation measures if necessary,” he explained.
According to Head of Cartenz Peace Operation, the strengthening of personnel was carried out as part of the effort to ensure the stability of security and to ensure the safety of the community around the scene.
Regarding the identity and motive of the perpetrator, Brigadier General Faizal emphasized that everything is still in the process of deepening.
“For now, all we can make sure is that two victims have died. Regarding the perpetrator and his motives are still under investigation. We urge the public to remain calm and not be affected by information that has not been verified,” he said.
Deputy Head of Cartenz Peace Operation 2026, Chief Commissioner of Police Adarma Sinaga, added that the top priority right now is the security of the territory and the protection of civilians.
“We are trying to ensure that the situation around the airport and residents’ settlements remain conducive. Coordination with the joint apparatus continues to be carried out to open communication access and accelerate handling in the relatively remote area,” he said.
Until now, the joint TNI-Polri apparatus is still sterilizing the airport area and collecting information from witnesses to uncover the shooter. The development of the situation in Korowai continues to be monitored intensively.
