IPI Condemns KKB Shooting of Smart Air Pilots

In a recent tragic incident, Indonesia’s aviation industry faced a grave shock as the pilot and co-pilot of Smart Air were killed in South Papua by an armed criminal group (KKB). This event has sparked outrage on both national and international levels. The Indonesian Pilots Association (IPI) firmly condemned these actions, calling on President Prabowo Subianto to urgently intervene to ensure safety in high-risk regions.

Capt. Muammar Reza, the head of IPI, stressed in his statement that the protection of pilots and strategic aviation infrastructure must be a state priority. IPI insists that the National Aviation Safety Committee take decisive steps to minimize risks, such as temporarily halting airport operations in dangerous zones until the situation stabilizes and adequate security measures are implemented.

Particular attention is given to the aviation safety law, which was severely violated by these acts of violence, as well as the international ICAO regulations emphasizing the importance of aviation security.

IPI highlights the significance of aviation for Indonesia’s unified territory, playing a crucial role in ensuring connectivity and the transport of essential goods, medical supplies, and other vital resources across the country.