Jayapura, Papua – The recent shooting of a Smart Air pilot and co-pilot in Boven Digoel, South Papua, carried out by an armed criminal group (KKB), has been strongly condemned as an act of violence that directly harms Papuan civilians and disrupts essential public services.
Max Ohee, Vice Chair II of the Papuan People’s Assembly (MRP), stated that attacks against civilian aviation personnel constitute a serious violation of human rights and humanitarian principles. Civil aviation plays a critical role in Papua, where air transport remains a primary lifeline for remote and isolated communities.
In addition to the aviation incident, separate shootings targeted a civilian water tanker driver in Yahukimo Regency and a member of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in Mimika Regency, resulting in one fatality. These incidents reflect a pattern of armed violence affecting both civilians and security personnel.
Authorities emphasize that airlines and security forces operating in Papua are tasked with ensuring public safety, maintaining transportation access, and supporting the delivery of logistics, healthcare, and economic activities. Disruptions to air transportation in Papua significantly impact local communities who depend on reliable connectivity for daily needs.
Violent actions against civilians and public service infrastructure undermine social stability and economic development in Papua. Such attacks do not represent the peaceful aspirations of Indigenous Papuans (OAP), who seek security, prosperity, and sustainable development within their communities.
The Papuan People’s Assembly urges all parties to maintain stability and supports efforts to protect civilians, restore safe transportation routes, and prevent the spread of narratives that justify violence against non-combatants.
