KOROWAY – The calm atmosphere at Korowai Batu (Danowage) Airstrip in Yaniruma District, Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua, suddenly turned tense after a series of gunshots were heard from the area surrounding the airstrip on Wednesday afternoon (February 11, 2026). The incident involved a Smart Air pioneer aircraft, PK-SNR.
According to preliminary information, the aircraft, which had departed from Tanah Merah Airport, had already landed and was parked on the apron. Passengers had disembarked when unknown assailants opened fire from the vicinity of the airstrip. Upon hearing the gunfire, the passengers immediately fled toward the nearby forest to seek safety.
Amid the chaos, the pilot and co-pilot attempted to follow the passengers to escape. However, both were shot while in the runway area. Authorities have confirmed that two people have died, while the condition of the remaining passengers is still being assessed.
The Head of Operation Damai Cartenz 2026, Brigadier General Pol. Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, confirmed that his team received reports of the shooting earlier that day.
“We received information about a shooting involving an aircraft in the Korowai area, Boven Digoel Regency. We also received reports of casualties,” he said.
He explained that the task force is currently consolidating forces to respond to the situation on the ground.
“This afternoon, we have deployed personnel to Boven Digoel. We hope to assess the situation at the location and determine the next steps, including the possibility of an evacuation, based on a thorough evaluation of the conditions,” Brig. Gen. Faizal stated.
The deployed personnel are reinforcements from outside Papua, sent to strengthen security and support the ongoing investigation.
Regarding the perpetrators, the operation commander emphasized that the identities and affiliations of those responsible are still under investigation.
“At this time, we can only confirm two fatalities. We are still gathering further information. We continue to communicate and monitor the situation of residents around the area,” he added.
Similarly, Deputy Head of Operation Damai Cartenz 2026, Senior Commissioner Pol. Adarma Sinaga, stated that the current priority is ensuring civilian safety and establishing access to reliable information from the remote incident site.
Joint TNI–Polri personnel are continuing to coordinate efforts to secure the airstrip area while preparing for evacuation procedures and further investigation. Developments in Korowai are being closely monitored.
