Jayapura, Jubi – Autopsy results at Bhayangkara Hospital in Kotaraja, Jayapura City, Papua Province, state that the pilot of an aircraft belonging to Associated Mission Aviation (AMA), Nicholas F. Goselin (29), died as a result of gunshot wounds.
This was confirmed by the Head of Bhayangkara Hospital, Senior Commissioner Dr. Rommy Sebastian, during a press conference following the autopsy of the victim’s body at Bhayangkara Hospital in Kotaraja, Jayapura City, Papua, on Friday night (7/3/2026).
According to Rommy Sebastian, the autopsy results showed the presence of wounds and a fracture of the lower jawbone on the right side caused by blunt force trauma, and only one gunshot.
There was a gunshot wound with a diameter of 9 millimeters, and gunpowder residue was found near the victim’s neck. However, the type of weapon and bullet used could not yet be identified.
He said open wounds were also found on the head, forehead, left cheek, and the area around the right ear. There were abrasions on the right side of the head, signs of fractures on the upper jawbone on both the left and right sides, and a fracture of the lower jawbone on the right side caused by blunt force trauma.
“The open wound found on the left cheek is consistent with a gunshot entry wound, with the muzzle of the weapon positioned perpendicular to the surface of the skin. So it entered from the left side, then exited on the right side, causing the [victim’s] right cheekbone to fracture,” said Rommy Sebastian.
Rommy Sebastian explained that X-ray results on the victim’s body showed a fracture in the deep base structure of the skull.
“This is what caused the victim to die instantly, or die very quickly,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Public Relations Task Force of Cartenz Peace Operation (ODC) 2026, Senior Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, expressed deep condolences over the shooting of the American pilot and the burning of the aircraft belonging to PT AMA at the airstrip in Balinggama Village, Sobahan District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands, on Thursday (7/2/2026).
“This autopsy was carried out to help clarify the incident more clearly,” said Yusuf Sutejo.
He said his side would carry out further investigation related to processing the crime scene and other matters, in order to complete the case file to clarify the incident.
He emphasized that regarding the allegation that the AMA airline was used to transport TNI-Polri personnel, Yusuf said this was a form of provocation and propaganda.
His side had already communicated with the AMA airline. The airline stated that it had been serving the interior of the Land of Papua for 67 years, and that this was the first time such an incident had occurred.
“So [the airline] PT AMA is purely carrying out religious activities, activities related to churches, especially in the interior of Papua,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Law Enforcement Task Force of ODC 2026, Senior Commissioner Era Adinta, said that following the incident, his side immediately carried out investigations, interviews, examinations, and monitored social media.
Their preliminary conclusion is that the act was carried out by the West Papua National Liberation Army, or TPNPB, Regional Defense Command, or Kodap XVI Yahukimo.
“This is a new armed criminal group [KKB], namely the Bakusip. KKB group led by M. Balingga. Based on monitoring on social media, [they] stated they are subordinates of Elkius Kobak [of] Kodap XVI Yahukimo. However, regarding the connection with Elkius Kobak, we will look into it further,” said Era Adinta.
According to Era Adinta, after the incident, Elkius Kobak’s group issued a statement claiming responsibility for the shooting of the pilot, and a photo of the perpetrator on top of the AMA aircraft after it had landed was also found.
“We can confirm that [the perpetrator] is M. Balingga, [who belongs to] a new [group]. We know the Bakusip KKB group is new and its profile is new, so there isn’t much we recognize about them,” he said. (*)
