TNI Polri helped secure Nop Goliat Dekai airport in Yahukimo to ensure the operational runs well. Thus, the two serving airlines, i.e., Trigana Air and Wings Air, can normally operate as usual. Previously, there was an incident in the airport because armed criminal groups (KKB) shot a Trigana Air airplane on 11 March 2023.
Thankfully, there were no casualties because all passengers and crews can safely land. The 747-500 Boeing airplane belonging to Trigana Air carried 66 passengers when being shot by KKB. Before that incident, the airline decided to stop its operation due to the safety of both passengers and free.
Therefore, Yahukimo’s Police Chief, AKBP Arief Kristanto, secured the area in coordination with TNI in a TNI Polri Operation in Papua.
TNI Polri Secure Nop Goliat Dekai Airport
Two airlines operate in Dekai airport, namely Trigana Air and Wings Air. Both airlines open a Jayapura-Dekai-Jayapura route to facilitate the locals to travel to areas within their routes. However, both airlines had to stop their operation after the shooting on 11 March 2023 due to the safety of both their passengers and crews.
TNI Polri steps forward to do its role in securing the area so that the airlines can normally be in their operation once more. They stationed their TNI Polri personnel to guarantee the safety and security of the airport’s operational and flight activity.
Currently, flight activity in Dekai airport is normal due to the security guarantee from the joint forces of TNI Polri. Trigana Air now uses its ATR 42-500 aircraft to carry passengers, while they use an ATR 72-500 aircraft for carrying cargo.
Other Areas Secured by TNI Polri
Dekai airport in Yahukimo region is not the only airport secured by TNI Polri Papua because these state instruments also secure other airports throughout West Papua. Here are some of the airports under the strict guard of TNI Polri:
1. Bilorai Airport, Sugapa, Intan Jaya Regency
KKB also shot an aircraft in the Bilorai Airport in Sugapa, Intan Jaya regency, last 7 March 2023, so TNI Polri conducted routine patrols every hour. They ensure the airport is safe so they can start operating and do the flight activity normally.
The state instrument also does the monitoring from the four nearest posts within the area to ensure the area’s security.
2. Paro Airport Nduga, West Papua
Paro Airport in Nduga, Papua Highlands, is phenomenal because KKB burned an aircraft from Susi Air on its runway. However, TNI Polri in Papua managed to secure and clean the airport runway. They are still working hand-in-hand to save the pilot because KKB captures him.
3. Aminggaru Llaga Airport
In June 2021, TNI Polri ensured the safety of Aminggaru Llaga airport in Puncak Regency, West Papua, due to the previous KKB attack. However, the operation was still partially active due to the burning of its ATC tower by KKB.
Currently, the airport runs normally thanks to the alertness and participation of TNI Polri in securing the area.
Not only does TNI Polri secure airports, but they also secure many other places. Their real-life roles in providing security and safety to Papuan people, among others, are to help secure PON XX and ensure a conducive situation during Covid 19 pandemic.
They also save and provide shelter to Papuan people who must flee home to find a new place due to KKB’s existence in their homeland.
Conclusions
TNI Polri is an integral part of the Papuan people, given their hard work in enduring the community’s security. Securing Dekai Airport is only one example of their work because there are many other works dedicated to the safety and welfare of the Papuan people.
Thus, Papuan and TNI Polri are one to achieve equitable development and welfare of the region.
