2 Pilots Killed After Plane Shot at While Landing in Indonesia

BOVEN DIGOEL, Two pilots operating a Smart Air Cessna Grand Caravan were killed on Wednesday after armed separatists opened fire during a landing in Indonesia’s South Papua province.

Captain Egon Erawan and First Officer Baskoro Adi Anggoro died at Korowai Batu Airstrip while attempting to flee the aircraft.Authorities confirmed that all 13 passengers on board the flight from Tanah Merah survived the attack unharmed.

AMBUSH AT REMOTE AIRSTRIP

The incident occurred at approximately 11:05 a.m. local time as the aircraft, registration PK-SNR, touched down in Boven Digoel Regency.

Police reports state assailants hiding in the surrounding forest unleashed gunfire immediately after the plane landed.

“The pilot and co-pilot were shot on the runway while attempting to escape,” said Faizal Rahmadani, head of the Damai Cartenz Task Force.

The attackers are believed to be members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), specifically the Cannibal and Red Ant Battalions.

Security forces have since secured the airfield and evacuated the pilots’ bodies to Timika for identification and repatriation.

ESCALATING REGIONAL THREAT

This deadly assault marks a severe escalation in violence targeting aviation infrastructure in Indonesia’s easternmost provinces.Aviation is the lifeline for connectivity in Papua’s rugged terrain, where road networks are sparse or non-existent.

The attack follows the September 2024 release of New Zealand pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens, who was held hostage for 19 months.

Mehrtens was abducted by a similar separatist faction after his Susi Air plane was torched in Nduga Regency in 2023.

Indonesian officials have vowed to pursue the perpetrators, deploying joint military and police units to the volatile region.

“We will enforce the law against these criminal groups to ensure public safety,” stated Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir.

The Cessna Grand Caravan is a single-engine turboprop utility aircraft widely used for remote operations in Indonesia.

• Operator: Smart Air
• Type: Cessna 208B Grand Caravan
• Registration: PK-SNR
• Route: Tanah Merah (TMH) to Korowai Batu (WAKY)
• Occupants: 2 Crew (Killed), 13 Passengers (Survived)

Its robust design allows it to access short, unpaved airstrips typical of the Papuan highlands.However, its low speed and low altitude flight profile make it vulnerable to ground fire in conflict zones.

SECURITY PROTOCOLS REVIEWED

The Transportation Ministry is reviewing security protocols for flights operating in “pioneer” routes across Papua.Local media report that some carriers may temporarily suspend services to high-risk airfields pending safety guarantees.

The Indonesian National Police (Polri) and military (TNI) have reinforced their presence at key transport hubs.

Despite the tragedy, officials emphasize that air transport remains essential for delivering supplies and medical aid to isolated communities.