The Head of Public Relations for the 2026 Damai Cartenz Operation,\nSenior Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, has addressed negative narratives\nregarding PT Associated Mission Aviation (AMA) being involved in\nactivities beyond humanitarian missions, following the death of US pilot\nCaptain Nicholas F. Goselin. Recent discussions have alleged that AMA\naircraft were involved in military activities.<\/p>\n
The Head of Public Relations stated that his office has communicated\ndirectly with the management of PT AMA and the Bishop of Jayapura, who\nleads the mission. \u201cBased on the information we have obtained, PT AMA\nhas served humanitarian missions and religious services in Papua for 67\nyears. This is the first time they have experienced such a tragic\nevent,\u201d the Head of Public Relations stated in an official release on\nSaturday, 4 July 2026.<\/p>\n
He emphasised that PT AMA purely provides services for churches and\ncommunities in the remote areas of Papua.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the Head of Law Enforcement for the Damai Cartenz\nOperation, Senior Commissioner I. G. G. Era Adinata, added that since\nthe shooting occurred, his team has conducted a series of\ninvestigations, including witness examinations, interviews, information\ngathering, and social media monitoring.<\/p>\n
\u201cBased on preliminary investigation results, we have concluded that\nthe action was carried out by the Bakusip Armed Criminal Group (KKB).\nThis is a new group led by M. Mbalingga. In several social media posts,\nthe individual claimed to be part of the group led by Elkius Kobak in\nthe Yahukimo region,\u201d explained the Head of Law Enforcement.<\/p>\n
However, the Head of Law Enforcement noted that the relationship\nbetween the Bakusip group and the Elkius Kobak group is still being\ninvestigated by detectives.<\/p>\n
\u201cShortly after the incident, M. Mbalingga released a statement\nclaiming responsibility for the attack. Shortly thereafter, Elkius Kobak\nreleased a similar statement. Furthermore, we obtained documentation in\nthe form of photos showing the perpetrator standing on top of the burnt\nPT AMA aircraft. Based on identification, the perpetrator has been\nconfirmed as M. Mbalingga,\u201d the Head of Law Enforcement elaborated.<\/p>\n
According to their profile, this is considered a new group, and their\nweaponry is still being identified by the 2026 Damai Cartenz Operation\nteam.<\/p>\n
Regarding the motive for the attack, investigators noted that the\ngroup had previously issued threats against flight activities entering\nareas they claim as their operational zone. Nevertheless, authorities\nemphasised that the exact motive for the attack is still being\ninvestigated through the ongoing inquiry process.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/cartenz-peace-task-force-speaks-out-on-pt-ama-affirms-solely-humanitarian-mission-1783140657", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }