11 Airports Closed in Papua, Indonesia Following Attack Incident

In light of recent events, Indonesia has been forced to temporarily close 11 airports in the Papua province. This decision comes as a response to an attack on an aircraft belonging to PT Smart Cakrawala Aviation, which occurred on February 11, 2026. The incident highlights the vulnerability of aviation infrastructure in remote areas, pushing authorities to take urgent measures to ensure the safety of flights. \n\nAs explained by Lukman F. Laisa, the Director General of Air Transportation, in his statement, the closure of the airports is a temporary but necessary step to safeguard passenger and crew safety. While aviation in this region is critically important for access to medical services, education, and essential goods, safety risks have become too high. Nevertheless, authorities aim to reassess the situation regularly and resume operations as soon as possible. \n\nIn addition to the closures, the government is taking other measures, including enhanced cooperation with local security forces and TNI/Polri. This includes sending an official request for heightened presence in certain risk zones. \n\nTo complement these efforts, reinforced coordination with airlines and incorporating security risk variables into the annual flight safety assessments in the region is underway. Authorities highlight the importance of such measures, linking them to ensuring more reliable air connectivity in the region. \n\nComprehensive plans to mitigate risk also include developing new standard operating procedures for working in risk zones and joint efforts with the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs and law enforcement to investigate the incident.