New Armed Criminal Group Bakusip Suspected of Burning PT AMA Aircraft

The Cartenz-2026 Peace Operation Task Force is still investigating the shooting and burning of a Pilatus PK-RCY aircraft, which killed the pilot of PT Associated Mission Aviation (AMA), Captain Nicholas F. Goselin (29), at Balinggama Airstrip, Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan. The Head of the Law Enforcement Task Force for Ops Damai Cartenz, Senior Commissioner I. G. G. Era Adinata, stated that preliminary investigations suggest the action was carried out by the Bakusip Armed Criminal Group (KKB). “Based on the results of the preliminary investigation, we conclude that the action was carried out by the Bakusip Armed Criminal Group (KKB). This is a new group led by M. Mbalingga,” Era said in a statement on Saturday, 4 July 2026. It is known that in several social media posts, the individual in question claimed to be part of the group led by Elkius Kobak in the Yahukimo region. However, Senior Commissioner Era explained that the relationship between the Bakusip group and Elkius Kobak’s group is still being investigated. “Shortly after the incident, M. Mbalingga issued a statement claiming responsibility for the action. Not long after, Elkius Kobak also issued a similar statement,” he said. In addition, the task force obtained documentation in the form of a photo of the perpetrator standing on the burnt PT AMA aircraft. Based on identification results, the perpetrator is confirmed to be M. Mbalingga. “From the profile we have, this group is classified as a new group with weaponry that is still being identified by the Ops Damai Cartenz 2026 team,” he said. To date, the exact motive for the attack is still being investigated through the ongoing inquiry process. “Investigators stated that the group had previously conveyed threats against flight activities entering the area they claim as their operational zone,” he explained. It was previously reported that the Cartenz-2026 Peace Operation Task Force confirmed the pilot of the PT AMA PK-RCY aircraft, Captain Nicholas F. Goselin (29), died from gunshot wounds. The Head of the Papua Regional Police’s Bhayangkara Hospital, Dr. Rommy Sebastian, said the examination found an open wound on the left cheek caused by a gunshot. “An open wound was found on the left cheek consistent with the characteristics of a contact gunshot wound, where the muzzle of the weapon was perpendicular and pressed against the skin surface,” Rommy said in a statement on Saturday, 4 July 2026.