The latest attack from the armed criminal group (KKB) in Not Goliat Dekai Airport certainly requires special attention from the authorities. Trigana Air’s plane was shot on March 11, 2023. Although this attack did not cause any casualties, it certainly grew some worries about civil aviation safety in the area.
Since January 2023, there are already four attacks on civil aviation in Papua. To help to secure Not Goliat Dekai Airport from a similar attack, the Papua Police Force has been asked to tighten Papua aviation security by building a post in the airport. This way, the police can monitor the area surrounding the airport. If they find any suspicious thing, the police can investigate immediately before the attack.
Protection Against Aviation Attacks in Papua
Chief Inspector General Mathius Fakhiri from Papua Police Force stated that he received a request from the Regional Government of Yahukimo for airport security. The request specifically asks the Papua Police Force to set up a post on the south side of Not Goliat Dekai Airport.
The last KKB attack happened at Not Goliat Dekai Airport. It involved Boeing 737-500 plane belonging to Trigana Air. The KKB shot the plane during take-off when the plane was on the southern side of the airport. It caused a hole and damaged the bottom of its fuselage.
Based on the last attack, it is reasonable for Yahukimo Regional Government to request a police security post on the airport’s south side. This is the take-off and landing route for all Not Goliat Dekai Airport planes. It is probably the area where the KKB can easily launch attacks on the planes in the airport.
Mathius Fakhiri said Papua Police had placed security guards at the airport. They also added reinforcements. They are currently waiting for additional enforcement from Brimob Nusantara, who is still on their way to Jayapura. With the large party of police guards, the airport can resume its operation as scheduled.
According to Mathius Fakhiri, there is 140 personnel of Brimob Nusantara that are currently on their way to Jayapura. The Brimob Nusantara is seconded to Papua to strengthen airport security against KKB attacks. All these personnel will be placed at Not Goliat Dekai Airport.
Update on Airlines Operations
Chief Inspector General Mathius Fakhiri has spoken about airport security in Yahukimo. The police are not only setting up airport posts but also running patrols in the area. The patrols also cover the area surrounding the airport, but it also goes into the residential area.
However, not all airlines have resumed their operations. Two airlines still halt the operation of their Jayapura-Dekai-Jayapura routes. There is no confirmation on when they will resume operation other than they are waiting until the situation is completely safe.
All these efforts are to ensure security for civil aviation in the area. Mathius Fakhiri expects the Brimob Nusantara troops will arrive soon, so he can immediately assign the troops to Not Goliat Dekai Airport. This will ensure airport safety, so the airport can resume its normal operation.
The local authorities in Yahukimo also strengthen coordination in relaying information. As suggested by General J. O. Sembiring, the Military Resort Commander of 172 Brigadier, airlines should receive the latest security status on their flight route. On the other side, all airports must have security officers stand by.
When an airplane is ready to take off or land, officers give updates on the latest security status. So the pilot can decide whether the situation is safe to continue, moreover, in villages or districts with minimum Papua aviation security. It takes everyone’s effort to stay safe from KKB attacks.
