TNI Hunts Elkius Kobak, Suspect in Plane Arson and Shooting of US Pilot
The TNI’s Habema Operational Command is hunting the perpetrator of the pilot shooting and the arson of an AMA Air plane at Ipdeheik Airport, Balinggama Village, Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan, on Thursday (2/7).
Habema Command spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Inf. M. Wirya Arthadiguna, stated that based on initial information received by security forces, 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.
‘Following up on the incident, the Koops TNI Habema patrol team immediately conducted sweeps and pursued the perpetrators to maintain the security situation and support the law enforcement process,’ Wirya said in a written statement on Friday (3/7).
The TNI has also successfully evacuated the body of pilot Nicholas F. Goselin. The evacuation operation involved 10 Koops TNI Habema personnel supported by two Caracal helicopters.
He explained that the body of the American citizen was successfully evacuated from the scene and arrived safely in Timika after being flown using air support from Koops TNI Habema. ‘Subsequently, the body will be handed over to the relevant authorities for further processing in accordance with applicable procedures,’ he said.
The Pilatus aircraft with flight number PK-RCY was carrying seven passengers from Wamena. The seven passengers on the AMA flight bound for Balinggama were Eston Sobolim, Kluenang Sobolim, Toni Balingga, Elina Sobolim, Ona Sobolim, Lisenia Balingga, and Vaince Amo Hoso.
Kodam affirmativeXVII/Cenderawasih reported that the seven passengers of the PT AMA Air PK-RCY are now safe and unharmed. ‘The seven passengers, all of whom are Indigenous Papuans, are reported to have survived and are in safe condition,’ said Kapendam XVII/Cenderawasih, Colonel Inf Tri Purwanto, in a written statement on Friday (3/7).
Koops TNI Habema, together with related elements, continues to secure the area around the scene to ensure the situation remains conducive while supporting the ongoing investigation. The security measures are being carried out to guarantee public safety and support the smooth operation of pioneer flights in the interior regions of Papua.
‘We express our deepest condolences for the death of the PT AMA Air pilot. Koops TNI Habema is committed to supporting the evacuation process, maintaining regional security, and assisting law enforcement. The patrol team is also continuing to sweep and pursue the perpetrators,’ he said.