Jayapura,, Feb. 24 -- The Indonesian Air Force is ready to secure airstrips closed after a shooting attack on a Smart Air plane claimed the lives of its pilot and co-pilot in Korowai, South Papua, a senior commander said on Monday.

Silas Papare Air Base Commander Air Commodore Mokhamad Mukhson told ANTARA in Jayapura that the military is prepared to safeguard airports shut following the fatal incident in Boven Digoel District.

He stated that the Air Force has recommended reopening 11 airstrips across Papua and pledged security guarantees to ensure flight operations resume safely in areas previously considered vulnerable to armed attacks.

Through its Rapid Action Forces Command (Kopasgat) unit, the Air Force stands ready to secure opera...