TNI Hands Over Body of US Pilot to Family

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) handed over the body of Nicholas F. Goseli, an American pilot for PT AMA Air flight PK-RCY, to his family and the airline on Friday (3/7). The handover process took place after the TNI successfully evacuated the body from the shooting location in Balinggama Village, Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan. “Alhamdulillah, the body was successfully evacuated by TNI troops under the control of Joint Regional Defence Command III on Friday, 3 July 2026, at 08.00 WIT, and the body is currently being prepared at the TNI AD Timika Hospital. The body will then be handed over to the family and AMA,” said Commander of Joint Regional Defence Command III, Lieutenant General TNI Lucky Avianto, in a press release received by ANTARA on Friday. Lucky explained that simultaneously, the TNI is currently pursuing the separatist group that killed Nicholas F. Goseli. Several efforts have been made to pursue the perpetrators, ranging from searching for clues in the field to identifying the perpetrators. “This incident was carried out by a group led by Elkius Kobak, and was proudly acknowledged by TPNPB-OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom, as a tangible manifestation of the paradox of regional and community development on Indonesia’s eastern horizon,” said Lucky. “Based on applicable laws and regulations, we can take firm action based on the Rules of Engagement (ROE), to ensure that the measured firm actions we take uphold the law and human rights,” he stressed. The incident occurred on Thursday (2/7) at 06.50 WIT. The attack happened when the aircraft, which had taken off from Wamena Airport, landed at Ipdeheik Airport in Balinggama Village, Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, at 06.46 WIT. At that moment, the aircraft was attacked by the OPM (Free Papua Movement) group. The aircraft was attacked and set on fire, and the pilot was declared dead from gunshot wounds at the location.