Seven AMA Air Passengers Safe, All Are Papuan Natives

The Cenderawasih XVII Regional Military Command has reported that the seven passengers of the PT AMA Air aircraft PK-RCY are safe and unharmed after the plane was set on fire, allegedly by members of the Free Papua Organisation (OPM) at Ipdeheik Airstrip, Balinggama Village, Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands, on Thursday (2/6).

"The seven passengers, all of whom are Indigenous Papuans, have been reported safe and in secure condition," said Cenderawasih XVII Military Command spokesperson, Colonel Inf Tri Purwanto, in a written statement on Friday (3/7).

In the incident, the aircraft’s pilot, Nicholas F. Goselin, was reported to have died, allegedly shot by the OPM. The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), through the Habema Operations Command, have evacuated the body of the pilot, who was a United States national.

The TNI launched a Special Rapid Seizure Operation to control and secure the airstrip as an entry point for assistance, while simultaneously carrying out a Tactical Search and Rescue (SAR) mission to evacuate victims and ensure the safety of the community around the location. The operation involved 10 personnel from the TNI Habema Operations Command, supported by two Caracal helicopters. The operation was executed swiftly, in a measured and coordinated manner, due to the highly challenging mountainous terrain.

Deputy Commander of the TNI Habema Operations Command, Brigadier General Riyanto, expressed his condolences over the death of the PT AMA Air pilot and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining security in the region. "We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. Our priority is to rescue victims, secure the location, protect the community, and support the law enforcement process against the perpetrators," said Riyanto.