Gunmen open fire on small passenger plane after landing in South Papua
Violence erupted in Indonesia’s easternmost region on Feb. 11 when gunmen opened fire on a small commercial aircraft moments after it landed, killing both pilots and intensifying security concerns in Papua.
Shooting at Korowai Airport
Indonesian police confirmed on Wednesday, Feb. 11, that a pilot and co-pilot were killed after unidentified assailants opened fire on a Smart Air aircraft at Korowai Airport in Boven Digoel, South Papua province.
According to local police spokesman Cahyo Sukarnito, the Cessna Caravan landed at approximately 11:17 a.m. local time while carrying 13 passengers in addition to the two pilots.
Passengers Flee to Safety
When gunfire erupted, both the crew and passengers evacuated the plane and fled toward a forested area near the airport. Authorities said all 13 passengers survived the attack without reported fatalities.
However, the pilot and co-pilot were killed during the incident. Police have not released their identities pending further investigation.
Unclear Perpetrators Behind Attack
Cahyo stated that authorities are still investigating who carried out the shooting. When asked about possible involvement of Papuan rebel groups, he said it remains unclear who was responsible.
No group has claimed responsibility as of the latest update. Smart Air had not immediately responded to requests for comment.
Ongoing Tensions in Resource-Rich Papua
The incident comes against the backdrop of a long-running low-intensity conflict in Papua. Armed separatist groups have clashed with Indonesian security forces for decades, seeking independence for the resource-rich region.
Papua was brought under Indonesian control following a 1969 vote overseen by the United Nations, a process that has remained controversial among independence supporters.
Rising Security Risks in Remote Areas
Attacks in remote districts such as Boven Digoel highlight the logistical and security challenges facing authorities in Papua’s rugged terrain. Small commercial aircraft often serve as vital transport links for isolated communities.
Violence targeting aviation assets raises concerns about passenger safety and the reliability of air travel in parts of eastern Indonesia.
Broader National Implications
Indonesia has stepped up security operations in Papua in recent years as clashes between rebels and state forces have become more deadly. The government maintains that stability in the region is essential for development and national unity.
Incidents involving civilian aircraft risk drawing greater scrutiny to the conflict and may prompt additional security measures around regional airports.
The fatal shooting at Korowai Airport underscores the persistent instability in parts of Papua and the human toll of the region’s prolonged conflict. Ensuring aviation security in remote areas remains critical, not only for local communities but also for Indonesia’s broader economic and territorial integrity. Regional observers, including neighboring Singapore and Malaysia, will be closely watching how Jakarta responds to prevent further escalation.
Sources: Asia One (2026) , Reuters (2026)
Keywords: Papua Plane Shooting, Korowai Airport Attack, Smart Air Cessna Caravan, Indonesia Papua Conflict, Boven Digoel Incident
