Jayapura — Air Operations Support Key to Strengthening Papua Border Security, Study Finds. The Vital Role of Air Operations Support in Securing the Papua Border. Research conducted by Edang Wahyu Ramdani from the Republic of Indonesia Defense University and published in the Contemporary Journal of Applied Sciences (CJAS) in 2026.
Research conducted by Edang Wahyu Ramdani highlights how the logistics readiness, infrastructure, technology, and human resources of Silas Papare Air Force Base influence the effectiveness of Koopsud III air operations in safeguarding the sovereignty of Indonesia’s eastern border regions.
Strategic
Role of Silas Papare Air Base
The
study identifies Silas Papare Air Force Base as the primary operational air
base supporting Koopsud III missions in Papua. The base enables multiple air
operations, including:
- border air patrol and radar surveillance
- law enforcement monitoring of illegal
activities
- air transport of troops and logistics
- VVIP airspace security in Papua–Maluku
- humanitarian assistance and disaster
evacuation
Throughout
2024, Koopsud III conducted several major missions such as Cendrawasih Crossing
(air patrol), Cendrawasih Wings (aerial surveillance), and Cendrawasih
Transport (military airlift). Support from Silas Papare Air Base allowed these
operations to reach remote border areas effectively.
137-CJAS-Edang
Wahyu-Turnitin-F…
According
to Ramdani, an operational air base in border regions serves not only military
purposes but also regional stability and development. Air infrastructure
facilitates logistics distribution, humanitarian aid delivery, and connectivity
across isolated areas of Papua.
Logistics
and Air Infrastructure Readiness
The
research finds that Silas Papare Air Base has generally adequate logistics
capacity to sustain air operations. Key assets include:
- logistics warehouses and fuel storage
facilities
- aviation fuel (avtur) and ground fuel
distribution systems
- a 2,500-meter concrete runway in good
condition
- functional runway lighting and drainage
- aviation communication and
meteorological support
Fuel storage capacity reaches about 100,000 liters of aviation fuel, supported by refueler vehicles for military and civilian aircraft. These capabilities allow sustained air operations along the Papua border.
However, the study notes several gaps. The runway is not yet optimal for modern fighter aircraft, suggesting the need for extension and new hangar construction. Some essential ground support equipment—such as aircraft towing vehicles, rescue vehicles, and runway sweepers—is also lacking.
Geographic
and Human Resource Constraints
Papua’s
geography remains a major operational challenge. Mountainous terrain, dense
forests, heavy rainfall, and frequent fog often disrupt flight operations and
logistics distribution. Limited road access means air transport is often the
only viable option for remote border areas.
The research also highlights shortages in both the number and expertise of personnel at Silas Papare Air Base. Limited trained staff in logistics and aircraft maintenance can reduce operational readiness. Coordination among agencies—military, police, and local government—also needs strengthening to improve border security responses.
Ramdani emphasizes that effective air operations depend on synergy between advanced technology, sound operational strategy, well-trained personnel, and strong interagency coordination.
Air
Operations in Border Enforcement
The
study documents several territorial violations in the Koopsud III area
addressed through air operations support, including:
- interception of an unauthorized foreign
aircraft in Papua (2023)
- disruption of cross-border smuggling in
Maluku
- arrest of illegal foreign entrants in
Papua
These cases demonstrate how aerial surveillance enhances early detection and rapid response to border threats. Air operations also support law enforcement against illegal mining, logging, and human trafficking activities.
Impact
on Security and Local Communities
Strengthening
Silas Papare Air Base has direct implications for both national security and
community welfare in Papua’s border regions. Beyond military functions, the air
base supports:
- disaster relief and humanitarian
logistics
- medical and emergency evacuation from
remote areas
- regional development logistics
- inter-regional connectivity
With strong air support, the state can maintain sovereignty while accelerating development in frontier regions. Ramdani argues that Papua border security requires a holistic approach involving the military, government agencies, local communities, and international cooperation.
Policy
Recommendations
The
study proposes several strategic measures to enhance air operations
effectiveness in Papua:
- modernization of Silas Papare Air Base
infrastructure
- runway extension for modern fighter
aircraft
- procurement of essential air operations
support equipment
- increased personnel training and
staffing
- stronger interagency coordination
mechanisms
- investment in radar and aerial
surveillance technology
These steps are considered essential to ensure Koopsud III remains fully prepared to address increasingly complex border threats.
Author
Profile
Edang Wahyu Ramdani - Republic of Indonesia Defense University (UNHAN)
Ramdani, Edang Wahyu. 2024. The Effectiveness of Air Operations Support in Supporting Border Security. Contemporary Journal of Applied Sciences (CJAS).
DOI : https://doi.org/10.55927/cjas.v4i2.137
URL: https://journal.formosapublisher.org/index.php/cjas/index
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