OPM's Elkius Kobak Believed to Be Behind Papua Plane Arson, TNI Issues Stern Warning

The Commander of the Joint Regional Defence Command III, Lieutenant General TNI Lucky Avianto, has issued a stern warning to members of the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organisation (TPNPB-OPM) following the shooting of a pilot and the arson of a civilian aircraft belonging to PT Associated Mission Aviation (AMA) Air in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan. The TNI has urged all members of the armed group to immediately cease acts of violence, leave the jungle, and lay down their weapons. Should they continue armed resistance, the TNI has emphasised it will take firm action in accordance with applicable regulations. “We remind all TPNPB-OPM members to stop all crimes against humanity, immediately lay down your weapons, and return to the embrace of the Motherland,” Lucky stated on Friday, 3 July 2026. According to Lucky, TNI soldiers have a legal basis to act based on the Rules of Engagement, ensuring every operation is conducted in a measured manner while upholding the law and human rights. “It must be underlined that the TNI will never hesitate to take decisive action when faced with an urgent situation, bearing in mind the principle of salus populi suprema lex esto—the safety of the people is the highest law—which always serves as our primary guide in critical situations,” he said. He stressed that development in Papua cannot be achieved through acts of terror or violence against the community. He noted that various acts of intimidation, the burning of public facilities, and killings carried out by the armed group actually hinder the creation of security and prosperity in the Land of Papua. “What the TPNPB-OPM is doing is essentially a common enemy that we must fight and stop,” he said. Meanwhile, the TNI Habema Operations Command revealed the identity of the group suspected of being responsible for the shooting of an American pilot, Nicholas F. Goselin, and the burning of the PT AMA Air aircraft PK-RCY in Yahukimo. The Head of Information for Koops TNI Habema, Lieutenant Colonel Infantry M. Wirya Arthadiguna, stated that based on initial information, the act was allegedly carried out by the OPM XVI/Yahukimo group led by Elkius Kobak.