RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Chief of Staff of the Joint Defense Area Command III (Kaskogabwilhan III), Vise Marshal TNI Joko Sugeng Sriyanto, conducted a direct inspection of 11 pioneer airports in Papua that were previously closed due to security disturbances by Armed Criminal Groups (KKB).

The inspection was conducted using a Cessna Caravan aircraft, visiting one by one the pioneering airports that are now secured and closely guarded by TNI soldiers. One of the points visited was Kapiraya Airport in the Kapiraya District, Deiyai Regency, Central Papua.

"First, we came to meet with the community to listen with heart and attention, while also providing solutions to the grievances of our brothers and sisters following the closure of the pioneer airport, which has been the spearhead of the social, economic, and civilization of the remote Papuan community," Joko conveyed on Tuesday, 3 March 2026.

According to him, the presence of pioneer airports in Papua is not just a transportation facility, but a "window to the world" for people in mountainous regions, hills, and remote valleys. Air routes have become the main access for the distribution of logistics such as staple foods, medicines, medical equipment, and educational supplies.

The closure of the airport some time ago directly impacted the social and economic activities of the residents. Therefore, restoring security at the 11 airports has become a strategic priority.

"Hopefully, it will be opened soon. Considering the conducive conditions of the 11 pioneer airports that were previously closed after the KKB disturbances, they have now recovered and are being tightly guarded 24 hours by the TNI troops," he said.

The restoration of security at the pioneer airport, he continued, is not just about defense, but also ensuring that development and public services run smoothly without obstacles. With stability restored, the hope of the Papuan people to engage in normal activities is increasingly bright.

"The TNI will always be at the forefront of safeguarding the nation's development in the eastern horizon of Indonesia within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI)," Joko stated.