Indonesia's military to guard high-risk airstrips in Papua

Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Joint Regional Defense Command III (Kogabwilhan III) is preparing to deploy military personnel to secure airstrips classified as high-risk in Papua after a series of deadly attacks, including the killing of an American pilot, its commander said.

"Kogabwilhan III will provide security at locations categorized as high-risk, including airstrips," Commander Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto told ANTARA by telephone from Jayapura, the capital of Papua Province, on Wednesday.

Avianto said preparations to secure vulnerable airstrips were underway and expressed hope the deployment process would be completed soon.

"The Indonesian Military will make every effort to provide a sense of security for people in Papua," Avianto said.

He said several recent shooting incidents involving civilians and pilots had occurred in areas where no security personnel were stationed.

The victims had committed no wrongdoing, he said, urging residents and all elements of society in Papua to support efforts to improve security across the region.

"Let us work together to create a safe, peaceful, and prosperous Papua within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia," Avianto said.

On July 2, 2026, American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin, 29, was fatally shot by an armed separatist group after landing in Balinggama, Sobaham Subdistrict, Yahukimo District, Highland Papua Province.

The attackers also set fire to the Pilatus aircraft, which had flown from Wamena to Balinggama carrying seven passengers.

The seven passengers were identified as Eston Sobolim, Kluenang Sobolim, Toni Balingga, Elina Sobolim, Ona Sobolim, Lisenia Balingga, and Vaince Amo Hoso.

Yahukimo Police Chief Senior Adjunct Commissioner Zet Salino said the attackers belonged to the Free Papua Movement (OPM), whose armed wing is officially classified by Indonesian authorities as an armed criminal group (KKB).

He said the attack occurred in Balinggama village, accessible only by air and located about 30 minutes by plane from Dekai, the capital of Yahukimo District.

Violence linked to the decades-long separatist insurgency in Papua has intensified in recent years, with attacks targeting civilians, infrastructure workers, and Indonesian security forces.

On Feb. 7, 2023, New Zealand pilot Phillip Mark Mehrtens was abducted in Nduga District on Feb. 7, 2023, by OPM members, led by Egianus Kogoya.

Mehrtens was held captive for more than 18 months before being released in September 2024.

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Translator: Evarukdijati, Rahmad Nasution

Editor: Azis Kurmala

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