Koops Habema Evacuates Body of US Pilot Shot by OPM
The Indonesian military’s Koops Habema has evacuated the body of an American pilot shot dead by the West Papua National Liberation Army-Organisasi Papua Merdeka (TPNPB-OPM) at Ipdeheik Airstrip, Balinggama Village, Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan, on Friday. The team also launched a patrol to pursue the shooters of the Pilatus PC-7 aircraft, registered PK-RCY, owned by PT Associated Mission Aviation (AMA) Air and piloted by Nicholas F. Goselin.
Head of Information for Koops TNI Habema, Lieutenant Colonel Infantry M. Wirya Arthadiguna, stated that the evacuation operation involved 10 personnel supported by two Caracal helicopters. He confirmed the entire process was carried out through integrated coordination, prioritising safety and precision due to the highly challenging mountainous terrain. The body of Nicholas F. Goselin was evacuated from the scene and has arrived in Timika after being flown out with air support from Koops Habema. The body will subsequently be handed over to the relevant authorities for further processing in accordance with applicable procedures.
Wirya said the murder of the pilot and the burning of the PT AMA Air aircraft were carried out by the OPM XVI/Yahukimo group led by Elkius Kobak. Following the incident, a Koops TNI Habema patrol team immediately conducted a sweep and pursuit of the perpetrators to maintain the security situation and support the law enforcement process. In addition to evacuating the victim, Koops TNI Habema, together with the police, secured the location to ensure the situation remained conducive while supporting the ongoing investigation.
Previously, the TPNPB-OPM claimed responsibility for the shooting and arson in Sobaham District. Spokesman Sebby Sambom stated that the shooting of the US-passport-holding pilot was a direct action by the TPNPB Kodap XVI Yahukimo militia under Elkius Kobak’s command. He described the attack as an ultimatum to prevent any Indonesian airline from flying over Papua, accusing them of routinely transporting non-organic TNI soldiers and military logistics to interior posts, which he claimed caused suffering to the Papuan people.