Indonesia: Authorities close Beoga Airport in Papua Province April 16 following attack on civilian plane by suspected separatists

Event

Authorities have closed Beoga Airport in Beoga District, Papua Province, as of April 16 following an attack by suspected armed separatists. Reports indicate that armed assailants shot at a civilian caravan plane as it was landing at the airport at around 06:30. There were no reports of casualties. Officials are investigating the incident.

Authorities will likely implement heightened security measures, including deploying additional personnel and setting up roadblocks on the streets to the airport April 14. It is currently unclear when normal airport operations will resume. Localized ground transport disruptions may also occur nearby the airport. Clashes between security personnel and insurgents are possible as authorities conduct search operations.

Beoga District is approximately 100 km (62 miles) northeast of Timika.

Context

Armed separatists in Papua Province typically carry out attacks targeted at 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

Avoid the incident site until authorities give the all-clear. Plan for possible air and ground travel disruptions at and nearby Beoga Airport. If any clashes erupt nearby, immediately depart the area. Heed all official transport and security advisories. Confirm flights to and from Beoga Airport over the coming days. Heed all official security and transport advisories.