TNI Launches Operation to Secure Airstrip After Pilot Shooting and Aircraft Arson in Yahukimo

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), through the Habema Operations Command (Koops Habema), has launched a special operation to secure the Ipdeheik Airstrip in Balinggama Village, Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan. The location was the site of the shooting of a pilot and the burning of a pioneer aircraft belonging to PT AMA, allegedly carried out by the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organisation (TPNPB-OPM) on Thursday, 2 July 2026. Head of Information for Koops Habema, Lieutenant Colonel (Inf) Wirya Arthadiguna, stated the operation was conducted to secure the airstrip as an entry point for aid while supporting tactical search and rescue (SAR) and victim evacuation. “The operation was carried out to control and secure the airstrip as an entry point for aid, as well as to execute tactical SAR and victim evacuation,” Wirya said in a written statement on Friday, 3 July 2026. In the operation, Koops Habema deployed 10 soldiers supported by two Caracal helicopters. Wirya noted that helicopters were used due to the highly difficult mountainous terrain at the location. He added that the body of the pilot, US citizen Nicholas F. Goselin, had been evacuated and taken to Timika. Deputy Commander of Koops Habema, Brigadier General Riyanto, expressed condolences over the death of Nicholas. He said security forces are still pursuing the perpetrators of the attack. “Our next priority is to secure the location, protect the community, and support the law enforcement process against the perpetrators,” Riyanto said. Previously, the TPNPB-OPM claimed responsibility for the shooting of the pilot and the burning of the aircraft in Sobaham District, Yahukimo. Spokesperson for the TPNPB Central Headquarters, Sebby Sambom, said the attack was carried out by the TPNPB’s XVI Yahukimo Regional Defence Command under the leadership of Elkius Kobak. “We shot as an ultimatum so that no more Indonesian airlines fly in the land of Papua,” Sambom said in a written statement on Friday, 3 July 2026. Head of Information for Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih, Colonel Tri Purwanto, said the burned aircraft was a pioneer plane belonging to PT AMA with registration number PK-RCY, which was flying from Wamena Airport to Balinggama Village Airstrip. “Based on initial information obtained from the PT AMA Manager and the community, the aircraft is suspected to have been burned by the OPM group,” Tri said via WhatsApp message on Friday, 3 July 2026. According to Tri, based on a statement from the Class I Airport Operator Unit of Wamena, the aircraft was carrying seven passengers, all of whom were indigenous Papuans and survived the incident.