Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Ministry of Transportation has confirmed that pioneer flight operators in Papua will face no penalties for suspending services due to safety concerns. 

This confirmation was a response to the fatal shooting of a Smart Cakrawala Aviation pilot and co-pilot in Boven Digoel last week. Director General of Civil Aviation Lukman F. Laisa emphasized that operators now hold full authority to conduct independent security assessments and decide on operational continuity without fear of contractual breach.

"The Directorate General of Civil Aviation affirms that operators halting flights for security reasons will not be sanctioned," Director General Laisa said on Wednesday (18/2/2026), as cited by  antaranews.com.

In response to the extreme risk levels, the government has indefinitely suspended operations at eleven high-risk airstrips, including Koroway Batu and Beoga. Services will only resume once the military and police officers personnel secure these locations. 

Furthermore, the ministry is currently reviewing pioneer flight contracts to strengthen force majeure clauses and drafting specialized standard operating procedures for aircrews navigating critical zones in Papua.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)