Cartenz Peace Task Force: PT AMA Pilot Dies from Gunshot Wounds

JAYAPURA - The Cartenz-2026 Peace Operation Task Force revealed the results of the autopsy on the body of the pilot of PT Associated Mission Aviation (AMA), Captain Nicholas F. Goselin (29).

The US citizen was killed in an incident of shooting and burning a Pilatus PK-RCY plane at Balinggama Airport, Jayawijaya Regency, Papua Mountains.

Head of Public Relations and Peace Operations Cartenz-2026 Kombes Yusuf Sutejo said the results of the examination confirmed that the victim died from gunshot wounds that caused fatal damage to the head.

"The victim's body has been successfully evacuated by the TNI. Furthermore, we carried out a visa examination as part of the law enforcement process. An autopsy was not carried out because based on the initial examination, the cause of death could be known through an external examination supported by a radiological examination," said Yusuf at a press conference at the Bhayangkara Hospital, Papua Police, Jayapura, Friday, July 3.

Karumkit RS Bhayangkara Polda Papua Kombes Rommy Sebastian explained that the examination found a number of wounds on the victim's body, including open wounds on the head, forehead, left cheek, and around the right ear, abrasions on the right side of the head, and broken upper and lower jaw bones. right and right side due to blunt force.

In addition, an open wound was found on the left cheek which corresponds to the characteristics of a contact gunshot wound, namely the muzzle of the gun is attached to the skin surface when fired.

"The bullet path entered through the left cheek and exited around the right ear, causing a fracture in the right cheek bone. Radiological examination also showed a fracture of the base of the skull. This injury caused the victim to die very quickly or sudden death," said Rommy.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Peace Operations Task Force Cartenz-2026 Kombes I. G. G. Era Adinata said the preliminary investigation led to the alleged involvement of the Bakusip Armed Criminal Group (KKB) led by M. Mbalingga.

According to Era, the conclusion was obtained based on the examination of witnesses, information collection, social media monitoring, and identification of documentation circulating after the incident.

"Shortly after the incident, M. Mbalingga claimed to be responsible for the action. Not long after, Elkius Kobak also issued a similar statement. We also obtained a photo of the perpetrator standing on the PT AMA plane that had been burned and based on identification it was confirmed to be M. Mbalingga," he said.

However, investigators are still investigating the relationship between the Bakusip group and the Elkius Kobak group as well as the motive for the attack.

In his statement, Yusuf denied the narrative circulating on social media that PT AMA carried out activities other than humanitarian missions.

He said his party had communicated directly with the management of PT AMA and the Bishop of Jayapura as the head of the mission. Based on the information received, PT AMA has served humanitarian flights and religious services in Papua for 67 years.

"PT AMA is purely carrying out services for churches and communities in the interior of Papua. Only this time they experienced a very tragic event like this," said Yusuf.

Previously, the body of Captain Nicholas F. Goselin was flown from Timika to Jayapura using a Boeing 737 aircraft on Thursday, June 2, 2026. Upon arrival in Jayapura, the body underwent the last honors before being taken to the Bhayangkara Hospital of the Papua Police to undergo a visa and then handed over to representatives of PT AMA.