TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A separatist group is suspected of burning a plane belonging to PT Associated Mission Aviation (AMA) at Perintis Balingga Airport, Yahukimo regency, Papua, on Thursday, July 2, 2026. The plane was carrying one American pilot and seven passengers.
The Ministry of Transportation received a report stating that the pilot, identified as Nicholas F. Gosselin, had passed away in the incident. Directorate General of Air Transportation Lukman F. Laisa stated in a written release, "The plane pilot is reported to have passed away."
Prior to departure, weather reports along the flight route were reported to be in clear conditions. However, initial findings reveal that no security assessments were provided by Balingga Airport before the aircraft touched down. Moments after the pilot confirmed a safe landing, all communication with the airport's area control tower was abruptly severed.
Law enforcement authorities have launched an intensive investigation into the destruction of the aircraft. Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, Chief of Public Relations for the Operation Peace Cartenz Task Force, noted that the PK-RCY aircraft routinely serviced the Wamena-Balingga-Wamena route.
While the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force suspects the involvement of an armed criminal group (KKB), officials emphasized that these allegations require verification through forensic crime scene analysis, evidence collection, and witness testimonies. "Thus, it cannot be conclusively determined at this time," Yusuf stated.
The Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) successfully evacuated Gosselin's body on Friday, July 3, 2026. Brigadier General Riyanto Habema, Deputy Chief of the TNI Joint Operations Command, confirmed that the recovery mission involved ten personnel supported by two helicopters. "We ensured that the evacuation process can be carried out swiftly, safely, and professionally," Riyanto said in a statement on Friday.
Read: Indonesian Police Arrest TPNPB-OPM Member Over Marine Corps Vehicle Shooting Case
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