7 Passengers of AMA Air Plane Safe, Pilot Dies in Papua Incident; OPM Suspected

An AMA Air passenger plane, registration PK-RCY, was set ablaze at Ipdeheik Airport in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan, on Thursday (June 2). While all seven passengers, identified as indigenous Papuans, were safely evacuated, the pilot, identified as Nicholas F. Goselin, a US national, was killed in the incident. The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB-OPM) is suspected of involvement. Kapendam XVII/Cenderawasih Colonel Inf Tri Purwanto stated that the seven passengers, all indigenous Papuans (OAP), were reported safe. The pilot, however, was reportedly shot by alleged OPM members. The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) through Koops Habema has evacuated the pilot's body. TNI launched a Special Rapid Seizure Operation to secure the airport as a point of entry for aid and carried out Tactical Search and Rescue (SAR) to evacuate victims and ensure the safety of the surrounding community. The operation involved 10 personnel from Koops TNI Habema, supported by two Caracal helicopters. The operation was conducted swiftly, measured, and coordinated due to the high difficulty of the mountainous terrain. Wakil Panglima Koops TNI Habema, Brigadier General Riyanto, expressed deep condolences for the pilot's death and reaffirmed Koops TNI Habema's commitment to maintaining regional security. "We express our deepest condolences to the deceased's family. Our priority is to save the victims, secure the location, protect the community, and support the law enforcement process against the perpetrators," Riyanto said. This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in Papua, a region rich in natural resources but also a focal point for separatist movements, leading to frequent clashes between security forces and armed groups.