Coordinating Minister Strongly Condemns Armed Group for Burning AMA Aircraft in Yahukimo

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, retired General Djamari Chaniago, has strongly condemned the burning of an aircraft and the heinous act against the pilot of the AMA plane. Djamari stressed that the government will not tolerate any form of violence. The aircraft belonging to PT AMA, with registration number PK-RCY, was reportedly set ablaze by an armed criminal group (KKB) in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan, carrying seven passengers. The pilot, Nicholas F. Goselin, died at the scene. Djamari explained that his office is monitoring the handling of the situation by the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police (Polri), and relevant ministries and agencies. The Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs expressed appreciation for the TNI, Polri, and all elements involved for their swiftness in evacuating Goselin’s body. The body is currently at the Timika Regional General Hospital (RST) before the TNI Habema Operations Command hands it over to PT. Freeport Indonesia for a flight to Jakarta. Djamari urged a thorough investigation and firm law enforcement. He also pushed for efforts to secure pioneer flights to guarantee public safety and the continuity of public services. ‘The government will not tolerate any form of violence and heinous acts against the community or air transportation facilities, which are the lifeblood of services for the people in Papua,’ he said on Friday (3/7/2026). Previously, the TNI Habema Operations Command pursued the KKB responsible for killing the American pilot of the AMA Air PK-RCY aircraft, Nicholas F. Goselin, in Balinggama, Sobaham, Yahukimo. The group is known to be led by Elkius Kobak. The pursuit operation was launched after Habema evacuated the body from the shooting location. The evacuation took considerable time due to difficult terrain and security concerns. ‘The 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 the operational terrain in mountainous areas with a high level of difficulty,’ said Head of Information for the TNI Habema Operations Command, Lieutenant Colonel Inf. Wirya Arthadiguna, as reported by Antara on Friday (3/7).