TNI to Deploy More Troops to Vulnerable Areas Following Pilot Shooting

Jayapura (ANTARA) - Commander of the Joint Regional Defence Command III, Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto, stated that the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) will increase the placement of security personnel at several vulnerable points in Papua, following the shooting of an AMA airline pilot in Balinggama, Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan. Lucky acknowledged that at the time of the shooting of pilot Nicholas Goselin on Thursday (2/7), there was no security post at the scene. “It is true that in Balinggama, the scene of the shooting of pilot Nicholas Goselin, there is no security post,” Lucky told ANTARA in Jayapura on Saturday. According to him, the nearest security post is approximately 40 kilometres from the scene, across mountainous terrain. He noted a similar situation occurred during the attack on a Smart Air aircraft at Korowai Airstrip, Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua, on 12 February, which killed two crew members. Therefore, the TNI will evaluate security in areas that do not yet have security posts, particularly those serving pioneer flight routes. “We have conveyed to the Bishop of Jayapura, Yanuarius You, that we might collaborate to identify areas requiring additional and reinforced security personnel,” said Lucky. He stated that this collaboration is expected to enhance protection for the community while ensuring the smooth delivery of services in remote areas. “The placement of security personnel at these points is expected to provide a sense of safety so that the community continues to receive services,” he said. Previously, on Friday (3/7), personnel from the TNI’s Habema Operations Command evacuated the body of AMA pilot Nicholas Goselin, who was shot dead by an armed criminal group moments after landing the Pilatus Porter aircraft he was flying in Balinggama, Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan.