24 Apr 2012

Plane boycott of Papua town leads to lack of supplies

10:41 am on 24 April 2012

Residents of Papua's highland town of Mulia face decreasing stocks of basic commodities because airlines continue to refuse to fly there 12 days after gunmen opened fire on a plane landing at the town's airport.

The gunmen shot at the Trigana Air Twin Otter, killing one person and injuring four.

According to the Jakarta Globe Trigana Air and Susi Air say they've canceled all flights over concerns about similar attacks despite reassurances and security guarantees from the Papuan administration and police.

Air transportation is the only way to reach the town so basic commodities such as kerosene, drinking water and rice are depleting.

Police have not been able to shed any light on the identities of attackers.