Jakarta — The shooting incident involving a Smart Air aircraft during landing at Korowai Airstrip, South Papua, on Wednesday (February 11, 2026), has drawn serious attention from various stakeholders and is being viewed as an important momentum to strengthen Indonesia’s national aviation security system, particularly in high-risk areas.
Ikatan Pilot Indonesia (IPI) emphasized that aviation security is a fundamental and non-negotiable aspect of national transportation. IPI Chairman, Capt. Muammar Reza, stated that the incident must serve as a comprehensive evaluation of aviation security systems in regions with elevated security risks.
According to him, aviation plays a strategic role in connecting Indonesia’s vast archipelago and is essential for logistics distribution, medical services, and public mobility, including access to remote areas.
IPI stressed that security strengthening must be carried out comprehensively, both in terms of safeguarding airports as vital national objects and ensuring protection for flight crews performing state duties. Airports and aviation facilities require an integrated security system to ensure safe and sustainable operations.
In this regard, stronger attention and commitment from the central government are expected to guarantee aviation security, particularly in Papua and other high-risk regions. IPI also encouraged cross-sector coordination among security forces, aviation authorities, local governments, and relevant stakeholders.
Furthermore, the National Aviation Security Committee is expected to take preventive measures, including operational evaluations of airports in vulnerable areas until aviation security can be fully guaranteed. Such steps are considered essential as part of risk mitigation efforts to protect both crew members and passengers.
Meanwhile, security personnel under the Damai Cartenz Task Force have initiated investigations and secured the location to ensure a conducive situation and support the evacuation process. These efforts reflect the state’s commitment to maintaining the safety of air transportation as a vital national asset.
IPI also urged all pilots assigned to high-risk areas to enhance vigilance and strengthen operational safety coordination.
The incident is expected to serve as a joint evaluation point for all relevant institutions to reinforce Indonesia’s national aviation security system, ensuring that flight operations across the country can continue safely, orderly, and sustainably.
