RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation is committed to strengthening security for pioneer flights in Papua Province. Security enhancement measures were taken following the shooting down of a Cessna Grand Caravan PK-SNR on the Tanah Merah-Danawage route on February 11, 2026.

Pioneer flights are vital for the people of Papua, especially those in remote areas. They provide important access to healthcare, education, logistics distribution, and basic mobility for people in remote areas. Therefore, their security is crucial and must be maintained," said Lukman F. Laisa, Director General of Civil Aviation, in a written statement in Jakarta on Monday, February 16, 2026.

In response to the incident, Lukman confirmed that operators who suspend flights due to security concerns will not face sanctions. Pioneer flights can continue to operate provided that security conditions at the destination airport are met.

"Operators are given full authority to conduct security assessments and then decide whether to continue operations for safety reasons," Lukman emphasized.

As a precautionary measure, the Ministry of Transportation has temporarily suspended operations at 11 airports classified as security-prone until further notice. These airports include Koroway Batu, Bomakia, Yaniruma, Manggelum, Kapiraya, Iwur, Faowi, Dagai, Aboy, Teraplu, and Beoga.

"Operational activities at these airports will resume after security is provided by the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri). The airports will also reopen after security is declared conducive and meets aviation safety standards," Lukman said.

Meanwhile, five other airports with controlled risk status remain operational with security forces in place. These airports are Kiwirok Airport, Moanamani Airport, Sinak Airport in Ilaga, Agandugume Airport in Ilaga, and Illu Airport.

"We have taken a number of strategic steps, including writing to the TNI and Polri to increase security, as well as instructing intensive coordination in the pioneering aviation region. We have also integrated security issues into Papua's annual safety assessment and reviewed the clauses in pioneering air transport contracts, strengthening the force majeure clause," said Lukman.

The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) previously highlighted the shooting down of a Smart Air Aviation aircraft at Korowai Batu Airport in the Kombai Subdistrict of the Boven Digoel Regency in South Papua. The incident killed the pilot and co-pilot, while 13 passengers reportedly survived.

"The shooting is a serious act that threatens the safety of citizens. It also violates human rights principles," said Komnas HAM Chair Anis Hidayah during a press conference in Jakarta on Saturday, February 14, 2026. ***