2 pilots die after plane carrying 13 people shot at by armed group in Indonesia

Two pilots operating a Smart Air flight in South Papua, Indonesia, died after the plane was gunned down on Feb. 11.

A separatist armed criminal group fired at the plane carrying 13 passengers as soon as it landed at the Koroway Batu Airport at around 11:05am (South Papua time), reported ANTARA News.

According to Jakarta Globe, Indonesian armed personnel and military managed to secure the premises on Feb. 12 and are on a manhunt for those responsible.

Pilots shot dead while escaping

The plane, which departed the Tanah Merah Airport in the Boven Digoel Regency of South Papua, had 12 adult passengers and an infant onboard.

Director General of Air Transport at the Indonesian Transportation Ministry Lukman F. Laisa confirmed that all passengers had escaped unharmed.

However, pilot Egon Erawan, and co-pilot Baskoro, were shot on the runway while attempting to flee after the passengers.

Authorities hunting for relevant individuals from separatist group

Cartenz Peace Task Force head of operations Faizal Rahmadani confirmed on Feb. 12 that a separatist armed criminal group were responsible for the incident.

The two groups involved were identified as the Cannibal Battalion and the Semut Merah (Red Ant) Battalion, both allegedly led by Elkius Kobak from Yahukimo Regency.

Local authorities are carrying out enforcement operations, with a team deployed to track down and apprehend those responsible.

"The safety of residents remains our primary concern. Joint security forces are working to ensure that Koroway returns to a peaceful condition," Faizal said.

The task force and the Indonesian army have also secured the area around Koroway Airport.

Pilots' bodies returned, all passengers safe

The bodies of the two pilots were repatriated to Jakarta and handed over to their families and employer following identification processes, autopsies, and embalming procedures.

All 13 passengers, who are all locals, have been rescued and safely returned to their homes.

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