Pangkogabwilhan III: TNI Secures Balinggama Airstrip Activity

The Joint Regional Defence Command (Kogabwilhan) III has deployed TNI personnel to secure the Balinggama airstrip in Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan. Pangkogabwilhan III Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto stated on Saturday evening that the placement of personnel from the TNI Air Force’s Special Forces Corps (Paskhas) was intended to allow aircraft to resume operations serving the community. According to him, the Balinggama airstrip is now guarded by TNI personnel, enabling flight activities to the area to recommence. “I have just flown and checked the field,” said Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto. He added that besides deploying TNI personnel, his team had also cleared the wreckage of an AMA aircraft that was set ablaze by an Armed Criminal Group (KKB), an incident which killed pilot Nicholas Gosselin on 31 May 2026. Lucky explained that the aircraft debris, which was initially on the runway, has been moved aside so it does not obstruct flight activities. “The wreckage of the ill-fated aircraft has been moved to a safe place so it does not cover the runway, allowing planes to immediately resume operations to serve the community,” said Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto.