Seven Passengers Survive After Armed Criminal Group Attacks PT AMA Aircraft

Seven passengers of a PT AMA aircraft with registration number PK-RCY survived an attack by members of an Armed Criminal Group (KKB) in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan. The passengers were identified as Eston Sibolim, Kwenang Sobolim, Tonu Balingga, Elina Sobolim, Ona Sobolim, Lisenia Balingga, and Faince Amohoso. Pangkogabwilhan III Lieutenant General TNI Lucky Avianto expressed gratitude to local customary leaders, community figures, religious leaders, and residents who assisted in the evacuation process and secured the seven passengers. The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) also successfully evacuated the body of Nicholas F. Goselin, a 29-year-old American pilot. The TNI is currently focused on repatriating his remains, prioritising humanitarian values and the wishes of his family in both Indonesia and the United States. The attack occurred just after the aircraft landed, and the perpetrators are believed to be from the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) Yahukimo Kodap group led by Elkius Kobak. The Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force suspects the group also burned the pioneer aircraft, which was the sole air transport link for the Balinggama community and was used for humanitarian and religious service missions.