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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Conflict & Security

TNI to Add Troops in Yahukimo After Pilot Shooting

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) will increase troop presence in vulnerable areas of Papua following the shooting of a pilot and the burning of an AMA aircraft.
  • The nearest security post to the incident site in Balinggaman, Yahukimo, was approximately 40 kilometers away in challenging mountainous terrain.
  • The TNI plans to coordinate with the Bishop of Jayapura to identify areas needing additional security, particularly those served by pioneer flights.

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) plans to bolster its security presence in several vulnerable areas of Papua. This decision follows a recent incident where a pilot was shot and an AMA airline aircraft was burned in Balinggaman, Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency. The TNI acknowledges that security posts in the area, including the specific location of the pilot's shooting, were previously limited.

Indeed, there was no security post at Balinggaman, the scene of the pilot's shooting.

— Letnan Jenderal Lucky AviantoAcknowledging the lack of security presence at the incident site.

Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto, Commander of the Joint Regional Defense Command III, stated that the nearest security post to the Balinggaman incident site was about 40 kilometers away, traversing difficult mountainous terrain. He drew parallels to a previous attack on a Smart Air aircraft in Korowai, Boven Digoel Regency, Papua Selatan, on February 12, which resulted in the deaths of two crew members. This comparison highlights the challenges faced by security forces in the region.

Based on these assessments, the TNI will evaluate which regions require an increased security presence, with a particular focus on areas served by pioneer flights, which are crucial for connecting remote communities. Avianto indicated that the TNI would collaborate with the Bishop of Jayapura, Yanuarius You, to identify specific locations needing additional troops and enhanced security measures.

We shot (the plane) as an ultimatum so that no more Indonesian airlines fly in the land of Papua.

— Sebby SambomTPNPB-OPM spokesperson explaining the motive behind the attack.

Previously, the pilot, identified as American national Nicholas F. Goselin, was reportedly shot by the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM). Sebby Sambom, a spokesperson for the TPNPB central command, claimed responsibility, stating the action was an ultimatum to prevent Indonesian airlines from flying in Papua. He alleged that airlines, including the burned PT AMA aircraft, are frequently used to transport TNI personnel, logistics, and weapons for military operations against the Papuan people. The TPNPB has declared flight bans in 36 regional defense command areas to preempt the deployment of non-organic TNI soldiers.

They carry TNI, send logistics and weapons to carry out military operations that cause suffering to the Papuan people. We forbid that.

— Sebby SambomTPNPB-OPM spokesperson justifying their actions against airlines perceived to support TNI operations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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