Jakarta – The pilot and co-pilot of a Smart Air flight, identified as Egon Irawan and Baskoro, were shot and killed by an armed criminal group (KKB) after the plane landed at Korowai Airport in Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua, on Wednesday. The pair initially attempted to escape following gunfire directed at the aircraft, but were apprehended and fatally shot on the runway.
Passengers Scrambled for Safety as Gunfire Erupted
The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in remote regions of Papua, Indonesia.
- The Smart Air PK-SNR plane came under fire from approximately 20 KKB members.
- The attack occurred shortly after passengers disembarked from the aircraft.
- The KKB, led by Elkius Kobak, pursued and ultimately killed the pilot and co-pilot.
- Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani is leading the investigation into the incident.
According to Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, Head of Cartenz-2026 Peace Operations, the plane touched down at approximately 10:30 WIT on Wednesday, February 11. After passengers exited the aircraft, members of the KKB opened fire from a distance of roughly 200 meters.
“Approximately 20 perpetrators appeared from the direction of the airport accommodation carrying firearms and opened fire from a distance of around 200 meters at the plane,” Brigadier General Faizal stated on Friday, February 13.
The sudden attack triggered panic among the passengers, who sought safety. The pilot and co-pilot initially fled towards nearby residences, hoping to evade the attackers. However, the KKB pursued them, eventually capturing them near the airport. They were then brought back to the runway and executed.
Watch the video ‘National Police Chief Orders to Chase KKB Shooter of Smart Air Plane’:
