Two pilots tragically lost their lives upon landing their aircraft at a secluded airport in South Papua, Indonesia, on February 11, 2026, as they were ambushed on the runway. The 13 passengers on board managed to escape the attack by running into the nearby woods.
The ill-fated Smart Air aircraft touched down at Korowai Batu Airport in Boven Digoel just after 11:00 a.m. WIT, following a flight from Tanah Merah that had started at 10:35 a.m. WIT. On board were 13 passengers, one of whom was a toddler, and two crew members who would later be found dead in the attack.
Commissioner Cahyo Sukarnito, Head of Public Relations for the Papua Regional Police, identified the deceased as Captain Egon Erawan and Captain Bas Koro. When attackers began firing at the aircraft, the pilots and passengers managed to evacuate and sought refuge in the nearby forest.
Before the pilots could reach the safety of the woods, they transmitted an emergency GPS message to authorities. The last message received, as reported by local police, stated, “There’s no signal, please track it. In Koroway we’re being shot at.”
The pilots were then pursued and captured by their attackers in the forest. AKBP Wisnu Perdana Putra, the Boven Digoel Police Chief, described the grim sequence of events: “The pilot and copilot were chased by the perpetrator, taken out of the forest and back to the airport, then killed there. Both died on the spot.”
While all passengers survived, the pilots were executed on the runway. In the aftermath of the attack, the aircraft remained on the runway of Korowai Batu Airport, bearing the visible scars of the violent assault.
The aircraft suffered substantial damage during the incident. Bullet holes marred the fuselage, windows were shattered, doors left ajar, and the fuel tank was punctured, causing aviation fuel to spill onto the runway.
Indonesian security forces quickly secured the area. The Damai Cartenz 2026 Task Force arrived around 6:00 a.m. on February 12, 2026, to take control of the airport. The security response was led by Brigadier General Faizal Rahmadani, head of the Damai Cartenz 2026 operation.
The security detail included 20 Damai Cartenz personnel and 12 Air Force special forces members. The airport is a crucial access point for communities in the remote inland areas of South Papua, making its security crucial for regional stability.
Authorities suspect the involvement of separatist armed groups in the attack. Investigators believe the Cannibal Battalion and Red Ant Battalion, based in Yahukimo and led by Elkius Kobak, were behind the assault. The search for the attackers continues.
A representative for the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB-OPM), Sebby Sambom, later claimed responsibility for the attack. Sambom stated the pilots were targeted because the airline “often carried Indonesian security forces throughout Papua,” a claim disputed by officials and the airline.
The remains of the two crew members were evacuated to Timika for identification and autopsy procedures. After these formalities, the bodies were to be transported to Jakarta and handed over to the families. Captain Erawan’s body arrived at his family’s residence in East Ciputat, South Tangerang, Banten, on the afternoon of Thursday, February 12.
The attack caused fear in the local community, with 39 residents fleeing to Senggo. Security forces worked to restore calm so the displaced residents could return home and normal activities could resume in the area.
This incident took place in Danowage Village, Kombai District, a secluded region primarily accessible by air. Papua has been facing ongoing security issues with separatist groups operating in various districts across the mountainous region. The region’s remoteness makes it challenging for security forces to maintain a constant presence.
Small aircraft operations are vital lifelines for communities throughout Papua’s interior, as they transport passengers, medical supplies, and essential goods to areas unreachable by road. The Cessna 208 Caravan, the type of aircraft involved in this attack, is often used for such operations due to its reliability and ability to operate from short, unpaved airstrips.
This attack signifies a dangerous escalation in the targeting of civilian aviation in the region. While previous incidents involved shots fired at aircraft, the deliberate execution of flight crew members marks a particularly deadly development. Aviation workers face unique risks when operating in conflict-affected areas as they must land at pre-determined locations on regular schedules.
Following the incident, Indonesian authorities announced they would enhance security measures at inland airports. The challenge lies in protecting numerous small airstrips scattered across Papua’s vast and difficult terrain, where government presence is often limited and insurgent groups can operate with relative freedom.
Regional security remains a complex issue in Papua, where separatist movements have operated for decades. The Indonesian government has deployed various task forces to maintain order and protect civilians, but the remote geography and local sympathies for independence movements pose persistent challenges for security operations.
Aviation safety experts note that civilian aircraft should never be military targets under international humanitarian law. Attacks on clearly marked civilian planes violate fundamental principles designed to protect non-combatants during conflicts. The deliberate targeting of unarmed pilots after they had already evacuated their aircraft represents a particularly egregious violation of these standards.
The incident underscores the personal risks faced by pilots and crew members who serve remote communities in conflict zones. These aviation professionals provide essential services to isolated populations, often knowing they may encounter security threats. The loss of Captain Erawan and Captain Koro removes experienced pilots who had demonstrated their dedication to serving Papua’s interior communities.
Smart Air, like other carriers serving Papua’s remote regions, must now reevaluate security protocols for flights to susceptible airports. The company is faced with the difficult decision of whether to continue service to locations where crew safety cannot be ensured, while also recognizing that suspending flights would further isolate communities that rely on air connections.
The investigation continues as security forces strive to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack. The Damai Cartenz 2026 Task Force remains in the area, working to restore security and resume normal operations at Korowai Batu Airport. The implications of this incident on the management of aviation security in Papua’s interior remain uncertain as authorities balance security concerns with the critical need to maintain air service to remote communities.