Coordinating Minister Condemns Murder of US Pilot in Papua Highlands
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Djamari Chaniago, has condemned the sadistic actions of the armed criminal group (KKB) that killed US pilot Nicholas F. Goseli in the Highland Papua region on Thursday (2/7).
“I strongly condemn the burning of the aircraft and the heinous act against the AMA aircraft pilot, which is strongly suspected to have been carried out by the KKB,” said Djamari in an official press release from the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs received in Jakarta on Friday.
According to Djamari, the perpetrators must be dealt with firmly as they have taken a life and threatened the security of the Papuan people. He ensured that he would encourage the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) and Polri (National Police) to continue pursuing the perpetrators and take decisive action.
Furthermore, Djamari requested that the TNI and Polri strengthen security at airports to ensure the safety of aviation activities in Papua.
At the same time, the TNI Habema Operations Command is currently pursuing the separatist group that killed Nicholas F. Goseli in Balinggama Village, Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Highland Papua.
In a press release received in Jakarta, it was explained that the pursuit operation was conducted after the Habema Operations Command successfully evaluated the US pilot’s remains at the shooting site.
“Today’s evacuation operation involved 10 personnel from the TNI Habema Operations Command with the support of two Caracal helicopters. The entire process was carried out prioritising security and precision, given that the operational terrain is in a mountainous area with high levels of difficulty,” said the Head of Information for the TNI Habema Operations Command, Lieutenant Colonel Inf Wirya Arthadiguna.
Regarding the pursuit efforts, Wirya stated that his side has identified the group responsible for Nicholas’s death.
“The murder of the pilot and the burning of the PT AMA aircraft were carried out by the OPM XVI/Yahukimo group, led by Elkius Kobak,” he said.
Currently, the TNI Habema Operations Command is gathering various clues to determine the location of the separatist group. Simultaneously, Habema personnel have been deployed to tighten surveillance at the shooting site. This is being done to prevent follow-up attacks that could potentially threaten the security of local residents.
“Patrols are also being conducted, alongside the pursuit of the perpetrators. We will continue to synergise with all relevant elements to ensure that the security of the community and pioneer aviation services in Papua remain maintained,” explained Wirya.
The murder occurred on Thursday (2/7) at 06:50 WIT. The attack took place when the aircraft, which had departed from Wamena Airport, landed at Ipdeheik Airport, Balinggama Village, Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, at 06:46 WIT. The aircraft was attacked and set on fire, and the pilot was reported killed by gunfire at the scene.