Two Killed in Shooting of Civilian Aircraft on Landing in Indonesia's Papua Region

PAPUA, INDONESIA - Indonesian police reported that two pilots were killed after unknown assailants opened fire on a civilian airplane shortly after it landed at Korowai airport in Boven Digoel, South Papua province.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:00 a.m. local time, involving a Cessna Caravan operated by Smart Air, which was carrying 13 passengers. The pilots and passengers exited the aircraft and sought cover in a nearby forested area, but the pilot and co-pilot were subsequently located and killed by the attackers.

All passengers remained unharmed. The aircraft had originated from Tanah Merah in the same regency. Police indicated that the identity of the perpetrators remains undetermined at this time.

Incident Details

The shooting targeted the Smart Air Cessna Caravan with registration PK-SNR upon its arrival at Korowai airport. According to police accounts, the attack commenced immediately following the landing, prompting the occupants to flee the plane.

The pilots, identified as Captain Egon Erawan and Captain Bas Koro, were confirmed deceased approximately two hours later.

The 13 passengers on board escaped injury and were accounted for. This event marks a security incident in the region, where armed groups have previously engaged in similar actions, though no specific attribution has been made in this case.

Official Statements

• Cahyo Sukarnito, Head of Public Relations, Papua Regional Police: “The aircraft was piloted by Captain Egon Erawan and co-pilot Captain Bas Koro, with 13 passengers on board at the time of the shooting.” (Papua Regional Police, February 11)

• Cahyo Sukarnito, Head of Public Relations, Papua Regional Police: “It is unclear who carried out the attack.” (Papua Regional Police, February 11)

• Wisnu Perdana, Chief of Boven Digoel Police: “At around 11:00 a.m. local time, the aircraft carrying 13 passengers was shot at, and the pilot and co-pilot were reported killed.” (Boven Digoel Police, February 11)