Minister condemns killing of US pilot, pursues armed group in Papua

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago has condemned the brutal attack by an armed criminal group (KKB) that killed a United States pilot, Nicholas F Goselin, in Papua Pegunungan on Thursday (July 2).

"I strongly condemn the burning of the aircraft and the heinous act against the AMA aircraft pilot, which is strongly suspected to have been carried out by the KKB," Djamari said in a press release received here on Friday.

According to Djamari, the perpetrators must be dealt with firmly, as they had killed someone and threatened the security of the Papuan people.

The ministry, says Djamari, will encourage the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) and the National Police (Polri) to continue pursuing the perpetrators and take firm action.

He also called on the TNI and Polri to strengthen airport security to ensure the safety of flight activities in Papua.

Meanwhile, the Habema Joint Regional Defense Command is currently pursuing the separatist group that killed Goselin in Balinggama Village, Yahukimo District, Papua Pegunungan Province.

The pursuit operation was launched after the Habema Command successfully evacuated the body of the US pilot from the shooting site.

"The evacuation operation involved 10 Habema Command personnel, supported by two Caracal helicopters. The entire process was carried out by prioritizing security and precision, considering that the operation took place in a mountainous area with a high level of difficulty," Head of Information of the Habema Command Lieutenant Colonel Inf. Wirya Arthadiguna said.

After the evacuation, Wirya said the pilot's body was taken to Timika, Central Papua, to be handed over to the authorities in accordance with applicable procedures.

Wirya said the security officers had identified the group responsible for Goselin's death.

"The murder of the pilot and the burning of the PT AMA aircraft were carried out by the OPM XVI/Yahukimo group led by Elkius Kobak," Wirya added.

The Habema Command is gathering various leads to determine the location of the separatist group. At the same time, Habema personnel have also been deployed to tighten surveillance at the shooting site.

The effort is to prevent any follow-up attacks that could threaten the local residents.

The officers also conduct patrols and continue to synergize with all related elements to ensure public security and secure the pioneer flight services in Papua.

The killing occurred on Thursday (July 2) at 06:50 a.m. Eastern Indonesia Time after the aircraft landed at Ipdeheik Airstrip, Balinggama Village, Sobaham Subdistrict.

The aircraft was burned after the perpetrators' attack, while the pilot was declared dead after being shot at the location.

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Translator: Bayu Prasetyo

Editor: Azis Kurmala

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