15 Mar 2023 | 05:03 AM UTC
Indonesia: Tight security likely in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, Papua, through end-March following security incidents /update 1
Tight security likely in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, Papua, Indonesia, through end-March due to security incidents. Flight disruptions ongoing.
Event
Officials will likely increase security in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Province, through mid-March following incidents involving armed criminal group members (Kelompok Kriminal Bersenjata, KKB) in the area. KKB members reportedly shot at a Trigana Air (IL) plane during its landing and takeoff at Nop Goliat Dekai Airport (DEX) March 11, causing minor injuries to a passenger. The flight, IL221, operates between Jayapura and Dekai. Additionally, KKB members set fire to a school on Seredala Street at around 05:20 March 14, though there were no reported injuries due to the incident.
Flight disruptions are occurring at Nop Goliat Dekai Airport (DEX) as of March 15. Trigana Air (IL) and Wings Air (IW) have temporarily suspended commercial flights to DEX as a precaution. It is unclear when normal operations will resume.
Authorities will likely maintain heightened security measures, including checkpoints and road closures, in the area in the coming days. Increased security measures could affect transport in the region, especially roads connecting towns.
Dekai is approximately 100 km (62 miles) southeast of Wamena.
Context
The KKB has been designated a terrorist organization by the Indonesian government. The organization typically targets Indonesian soldiers and police officers, as well as workers and infrastructure of state-owned public facilities and foreign-owned resource extraction companies, specifically PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI). The incident highlights the threat posed by armed groups in the region and points to the continued tension between Indonesian authorities and people in Papua, who claim that the Indonesian central government racially discriminates against Papuans and that it does not sufficiently develop the provinces' infrastructure.
Advice
Exercise caution if operating in the affected area. Reach out to trusted local contacts to determine security conditions, as reporting is often delayed. Carry proper identification documents to present at security checks and heed all official security and transport advisories; remain cooperative if stopped for inspections.
