"Up until now, no plane has landed there, even though the local government has guarantee the safety of the area," Puncak Jaya`s Chief of Police Precinct Adjunct Senior Commissioner Alex Korwa, said here on Wednesday.
He noted that airplane service is important for local residents seeking to enter or leave the area.
A Twin Otter airplane from Trigana Airlines was struck by bullets fired by unidentified gunmen when it was landing at Mulia airport on Sunday (April 8) at 9 a.m. local time in Puncak Jaya district capital of Mulia, Papua.
The shooting killed passenger Latoge Kogoya, while its pilot, Bebi Astekyang, was struck in the leg. Co-pilot Willy was also hit by a bullet fragment in one of his fingers. Due to his injuries, Willy was unable to control the flight as the plane crashed into a warehouse at the airport.
A woman, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was also struck in the hand. The shootings by the armed group left holes in the airplane.
Meanwhile, the Area Manager of PT Trigana Air, Bustomi, said he could not confirm when Trigana Air would again begin operating at Mulia airport.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
