Jakarta. Indonesian security forces have secured the Korowai Batu Airport area in Boven Digoel, South Papua, and completed the evacuation of victims following a shooting incident involving a Smart Air aircraft, police said on Thursday.

Personnel from the Damai Cartenz 2026 Task Force, supported by the Indonesian military (TNI), entered and took control of the area around the remote airstrip at around 6 a.m. local time, with their main focus on evacuating two crew members who were killed in the attack on Wednesday.

“Since early this morning, our personnel have successfully secured the airport area and evacuated both victims to Timika,” Faizal Ramadhani, head of the Damai Cartenz 2026 operation, said in a statement. “The safety of the public and regional stability are our top priorities.”

Authorities said they suspect the involvement of an armed group linked to the Yahukimo-based criminal armed group (KKB), locally known as the Cannibal Battalion and the Red Ant Battalion, led by Elkius Kobak.

Security forces are continuing a manhunt for those believed to be responsible. “Our personnel are still pursuing the suspected perpetrators involved in this attack,” Damai Cartenz 2026 spokesperson Senior Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo said.

The bodies of the two crew members were flown to Timika for identification and autopsies. After funeral preparations are completed, the remains are expected to be transported to Jakarta and handed over to the families.

Authorities confirmed that all 13 passengers on board the aircraft survived the incident. The passengers, who were residents, managed to flee the area and have since returned safely to their homes. In the chaos, the pilot and co-pilot attempted to escape after the passengers but were shot while still on the runway, authorities said.

A total of 20 Damai Cartenz personnel were deployed to the site, reinforced by 12 members of the Air Force’s special forces. Coordination with the Army has also been stepped up, given the strategic importance of the airstrip as a vital access point for communities in remote inland areas.

Authorities also reported that 39 local residents fled toward Senggo out of fear following the shooting. Security forces are working to secure the area so residents can return and normal activities can resume.

“Once the area is fully secured and the situation is declared safe, we hope displaced residents can return home, and public services can operate as usual,” Yusuf said.

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