TNI Hands Over Body of Pilot Killed by Armed Criminal Group to AMA in Papua
Jayapura (ANTARA) - The Commander of the III Joint Regional Defence Command (Kogabwilhan III), Lieutenant General TNI Lucky Avianto, handed over the remains of pilot Nicholas F. Goselin to the Bishop of Jayapura, Yanuarius Theofilus Matopai You, representing PT AMA at the Silas Papare Air Force Base Operations in Sentani, Jayapura Regency, on Friday night.
The handover of the American pilot’s remains, who died after being shot by the KKB (Armed Criminal Group) in Balinggama, Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Highland Papua, on Thursday (2/7), was witnessed by several military officials.
Pilot Nicholas’s body was evacuated by Koops TNI Habema personnel from the crime scene in Balinggama on Friday and flown to Timika, before continuing to Jayapura.
Commander of Kogabwilhan III, Lt. Gen. TNI Lucky Avianto, stated that with the handover of Nicholas’s remains to AMA, the evacuation process is now officially complete.
He expressed regret over the incident that claimed the life of the Pilatus aircraft pilot, who was in the process of serving communities in remote areas of Papua.
“We have witnessed the release from the KKB, led by Elkius Kobak, claiming responsibility for the attack against a pilot performing humanitarian duties to serve the community,” said Lucky.
He added that all TNI personnel on duty will continue their mission to guard and secure the Land of Papua, stating, “TNI will continue to maintain security in Papua to ensure it remains safe.”
The Bishop of Jayapura, Yanuaryus Theofilus Matopai You, who also serves as the President Commissioner of PT AMA, stated that AMA, which maintains a humanitarian mission, never carries TNI, Polri, or KKB personnel, contrary to rumours circulating on social media.
He emphasised that AMA contributes to advancing civilisation and human development in the Papua hinterlands through purely humanitarian missions, and therefore, its aircraft never transport TNI or Polri personnel.
“Our mission is a noble mission for the preaching of the Gospel, so we always maintain neutrality,” said Bishop You.
Following the handover, Nicholas’s remains were taken directly to the AMA hangar for a joint prayer service before being transported to Bhayangkara Hospital, Jayapura. A medical team at Bhayangkara Hospital is currently conducting an autopsy on the deceased.