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Aircraft carrying election material fired on in Papua
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A Twin Otter aircraft is pulled onto a runway from a hangar. (Courtesy of Twin Otter.com/File)
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Twin Otter aircraft carrying election material and the National Police’s Mobile Brigade (Brimob) personnel, which will secure the upcoming regional elections in Papua, was fired on by unidentified assailants shortly after it landed at Kenyam Airport in Nduga at 9:45 a.m. local time on Monday.
Pilot Ahmad Abdillah Kamil, 27, suffered gunshot wounds to his left back during the incident. The perpetrators allegedly carried out the attack from the left side of the aircraft.
The aircraft departed for Kenyam, Nduga, from Wamena Airport in Jayawijaya with 15 passsengers on board. They were all Brimob members assigned to oversee the distribution of election material and secure the Papua gubernatorial election, which will be held on Wednesday.
Papua Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. AM Kamal confirmed the incident. “The pilot has received medical treatment at Kenyam health clinic. He is conscious. Plans have been made for the aircraft to fly the pilot back to Wamena, Jayawijaya,” said Kamal.
Kamal said the police and Indonesian Military personnel were searching for those responsible for the armed attack.
Responding to concerns over security in the election process in Nduga regency, Papua General Elections Commission (KPU Papua) commissioner Tarwinto said the election might be delayed due to the alleged attack, depending on recommendations from security authorities.
Within one week, two aircraft shooting incidents have occurred at Kenyam Airport. On June 22, a Twin Otter Dimonim Air PK-HVU was fired on when it landed at 1:05 p.m. (ebf)
