Government Strongly Condemns Plane Arson and Pilot Shooting by OPM

The Indonesian government has strongly condemned the burning of an AMA Air plane and the shooting of its pilot at Ipdeheik Airport, Balinggama Village, Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan, allegedly carried out by a group from the Free Papua Organisation (OPM).

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago stated that since receiving initial information about the incident, his office has been continuously monitoring and implementing coordinative measures with TNI, Polri units, and related ministries and agencies.

‘The Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs expresses its appreciation to the TNI, Polri units, and all elements involved for their swiftness in evacuating the body of the late Nicholas F. Goselin, the AMA pilot, today, Friday (3/7) at around 09.00 WIT,’ Djamari said in a written statement on Friday (3/7).

He stressed that the government will not tolerate any form of violence and heinous acts against the community or air transport facilities, which serve as a lifeline for the people of Papua.

‘The Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs will continue to push for the investigation process and firm law enforcement steps by the TNI-Polri apparatus against the perpetrators, while also encouraging efforts to secure pioneer flights to guarantee public safety and the continuity of public services,’ he said.

Koops TNI Habema is now hunting the perpetrators of the pilot shooting and plane arson from Ipdeheik Airport, Balinggama Village, Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan, on Thursday (2/7).

Head of Information for Koops TNI Habema, Lieutenant Colonel Inf. M. Wirya Arthadiguna, said that based on initial information received by security forces, the murder of the pilot and the burning of the PT AMA Air plane were carried out by the OPM XVI/Yahukimo group led by Elkius Kobak.

‘Following up on the incident, the Koops TNI Habema patrol team immediately carried out a sweep and pursuit of the perpetrators to maintain the security situation and support the law enforcement process,’ Wirya said.

The TNI has also successfully evacuated the body of pilot Nicholas F. Goselin. The evacuation operation involved 10 Koops TNI Habema personnel with the support of two Caracal helicopters. He explained that the body of the American pilot was successfully evacuated from the scene and arrived safely in Timika after being flown using Koops TNI Habema air support.