Merauke – The Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy Development in Papua held a limited meeting (ratas) to discuss the shooting incident involving a Smart Air aircraft in Danowage Village, Yaniruma District, Boven Digoel Regency last week.
This was conveyed by the Governor of South Papua, Apolo Safanpo, in a statement received on Friday (February 20, 2026).
“Yesterday, Thursday (February 19, 2026), there was a limited meeting of the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy Development in Papua regarding the shooting incident in Danowage Village on Wednesday (February 11, 2026),” he said.
Apolo stated that the limited meeting was held following a request from the Presidential Palace for clarification regarding the handling of the situation after the shooting carried out by an Armed Criminal Group (KKB), which resulted in the deaths of the pilot and co-pilot in Danowage last week.
He explained that health workers in Danowage had been stationed in Yaniruma District. At the time of the incident, a firefight occurred between TNI/Police personnel and the armed group, causing panic among residents in the area.
He noted that many migrant residents sought refuge, including Civil Servants (ASN) working in the health sector, such as midwives, nurses, and other medical personnel.
“On the same day, we immediately took action and carried out evacuations. In total, we had 31 health workers,” Governor Apolo said.
However, according to Apolo, two of the 31 personnel did not join the evacuation as they are native residents of Yaniruma and chose to remain.
Meanwhile, the remaining 29 health workers were evacuated from Yaniruma to Zenggo District in Mappi Regency. From there, they traveled by speedboat to Kepi, the capital of Mappi Regency, and then to Tanah Merah in Boven Digoel Regency.
District officials in Yaniruma were handled by the Regent of Boven Digoel and have arrived in Tanah Merah. All evacuees have been successfully evacuated, and the situation remains safe and conducive.
For information, the swift response by the South Papua Provincial Government following the Danowage shooting received appreciation from the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri).
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Ribka Haluk praised the quick actions taken by the South Papua Provincial Government and regional regents in handling the evacuees, including teachers and health workers on duty, following the shooting incident that killed two aircraft pilots.
Deputy Minister Ribka Haluk stated that the prompt response was crucial to ensuring the safety of officials and maintaining public services.
“We express our gratitude and appreciation to the Governor of South Papua and the regents across the South Papua region who promptly took steps to handle the evacuees, including teachers and health workers who are serving the community,” Ribka said in Jakarta on Thursday (February 19, 2026).
According to her, rapid coordination between regional governments and related agencies was key in the initial response on the ground. The Ministry of Home Affairs continues to maintain intensive communication to ensure that follow-up measures are well-directed and coordinated.
For the record, the Smart Air aircraft with registration number PK-SNR, owned by PT Smart Air Aviation, was shot at in Danowage Village, Yaniruma District, Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua, on Wednesday (February 11, 2026).
The aircraft had departed from Tanah Merah bound for Korowai Batu Airstrip in Danowage Village, carrying 13 passengers.
However, upon arrival at Korowai Batu Airstrip, the aircraft was shot at. The pilot, co-pilot, and passengers fled into the forest to save themselves.
Although they initially managed to escape into the forest, the pilot and co-pilot were later found by the attackers and executed, resulting in their deaths.
