Smart Air co-pilot Capt Baskoro Adi Anggoro was shot dead by an armed criminal group (KKB) as the plane landed at Korowai Airport in South Papua on February 11, 2026. Pilot Egon Irawan also died in the same attack. The victim's family has highlighted the lack of security at the airport.
The Smart Air plane with registration PK-SNR landed at Koroway Batu Airport in Yaniruma District, Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua Province, around 10:30 WIT on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. After passengers disembarked, the plane prepared to continue to Dekai in Yahukimo Regency. As the pilot started the engine, about 20 perpetrators emerged from the airport lodging area, armed with firearms, and fired from 200 meters away.
Passengers panicked and ran for safety. Pilot Egon Irawan and co-pilot Capt Baskoro Adi Anggoro also fled to a nearby villager's house but were chased, captured, and brought back to the runway before being shot dead by the attackers. Physical examination of the plane revealed 13 bullet holes in the fuselage, two bullet casings, and one live round on the runway.
A joint team from Satgas Operasi Damai Cartenz 2026, Papua Police Criminal Investigation Unit, and Boven Digoel Police Resort conducted a crime scene reconstruction on Thursday, February 12, 2026, marking 23 key points. Eyewitnesses did not recognize the perpetrators and suspected they were not locals.
Baskoro's family, through his uncle Doni (56), expressed concerns over inadequate security. "Civil aviation should have security. Why isn't there any?" Doni said at the funeral home in East Jakarta. Baskoro had been on assignment in Papua for only five days after recovering from medical treatment and rarely flew there. The family learned of the incident via text message from Baskoro's senior. They emphasized that airport security is the state's responsibility to protect crew and passengers.
