TNI Hunts Armed Criminal Group Led by Elkius Kobak for Burning AMA Aircraft in Yahukimo

The Habema Defence Joint Operational Command (Koops TNI Habema) is pursuing the armed criminal group (KKB) that killed American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin and set fire to a PT AMA Air aircraft with registration PK-RCY in Balinggama, Sobaham, Yahukimo, Papua Pegunungan. The KKB is known to be led by Elkius Kobak.

The pursuit operation against Elkius Kobak’s group was launched after Koops Habema evacuated the body from the shooting site. The evacuation was time-consuming due to difficult terrain and security concerns.

‘The evacuation operation involved 10 personnel from Koops TNI Habema supported by two Caracal helicopters. The entire process prioritised safety and precision, given that the operational terrain is in a mountainous region with a high level of difficulty,’ said Head of Information for Koops TNI Habema, Lieutenant Colonel Inf Wirya Arthadiguna, as reported by Antara on Friday (3/7/2026).

Following the evacuation, Wirya stated that the body would be taken to Timika, Central Papua, to be handed over to the authorities in accordance with applicable procedures. Regarding the pursuit, officers have identified the group responsible for Nicholas’s death.

‘The murder of the pilot and the burning of the PT AMA Air aircraft were carried out by the OPM XVI/Yahukimo group led by Elkius Kobak,’ he revealed.

Currently, the TNI Joint Command is gathering various clues to locate the members of Elkius Kobak’s group. Simultaneously, Habema personnel have been deployed to tighten surveillance at the shooting site. This is to ensure there are no follow-up attacks that could potentially threaten the safety of local residents.

‘Patrols are also being conducted along with the pursuit of the perpetrators. We will continue to synergise with all relevant elements to maintain public security and pioneer flight services in Papua,’ Wirya said.

For context, the burning incident occurred on Thursday (2/7) at 06:50 WIT. The attack took place 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. The aircraft was attacked and set ablaze, and the pilot was declared dead from gunshot wounds at the scene.