Yahukimo, Papua Pegunungan – The Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz continues to conduct a deepening related to the fire incident involving a plane belonging to PT Associated Mission Aviation (AMA) with PK-RCY registration at Perintis Balingga Airport, Yahukimo Regency, Thursday (2/7/2026).
Initial information about the incident was received by the Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz through a video recording from the air showing a plane on fire at the end of the runway. The video is known to be recorded by a pilot from another airline who was passing over the scene. After receiving the information, the Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz immediately conducted a preliminary investigation and coordinated with the airline to ensure the truth of the incident.
After being met by the media in Jayapura (2/7) Head of Public Relations Operation Peace Cartenz-2026, Chief Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., said that his party had mapped the situation and prepared handling measures at the scene.
“Since receiving the information and video that was circulating, we immediately conducted a preliminary investigation and coordinated with the airline. But until now we have not been able to confirm the information about the victim because the team is still waiting for a direct check at the location. Tomorrow the team will be sent to the scene, while the personnel will be shifted gradually. We urge the public not to easily trust information that has not been verified and give officers the opportunity to work professionally,” said the Head of Public Relations.
Based on the results of temporary coordination, the PK-RCY aircraft is known to serve the Wamena-Balingga-Wamena flight route using Pilatus aircraft. According to the manifest data from the airline, the plane was piloted by Nicholas F. Goselin, a citizen of the United States, and carrying seven passengers.
“The result of the temporary confirmation confirms that the plane fire incident did happen. But until now, information about the condition of the pilot and the passengers is still waiting for the results of the direct check at the location” added the Head of Public Relations.
The Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz also conveyed that for the time being there was an initial suspicion of involvement in an armed criminal group (KKB). However, the allegation still requires proof through the processing of the crime scene (TKP), the collection of evidence, and the examination of witnesses so that it cannot be concluded for sure.
The handling process in the field also faces the constraints of geographical conditions. There is no land access yet so it can only be reached using pioneering flights. In addition, the airport which is located at an altitude of about 2,292 meters above sea level becomes an obstacle for officers to arrive at the location considering the weather conditions.
Head of Operation Peace Cartenz, Inspector General of Police. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., said that the Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz moved quickly to deepen to ensure that all the information that was developed could be held accountable.
“We have deployed personnel to conduct a thorough deep investigation into this incident, including coordinating with the airline, local government, and related elements in the field. Our main focus right now is to ensure the condition of all victims, secure the scene, and uncover the perpetrators behind the incident through a professional and measurable investigation process,” said Head of Operation Peace Cartenz.
Meanwhile, Deputy Head of Operations Peace Cartenz-2026, Chief Commissioner of Police Adarma Sinaga, S.I.K., M.Hum., emphasized that the apparatus will continue to strengthen coordination and security measures, especially for pioneering aviation activities in the interior of Papua.
“We continue to strengthen coordination with all security elements and related parties to anticipate potential disturbances to flight activities in the interior of Papua. Our community urges us to remain calm and not easily trust information that has not been verified, as well as giving trust to the officers who are currently still conducting investigations and security at the location,” said Deputy Head of Operation Peace Cartenz.
The Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz ensures that the investigation process is still ongoing, the officers will prioritize the investigation process professionally through the crime scene processing, the collection of evidence, the examination of witnesses, and coordination with all related agencies to fully uncover the series of events while ensuring the safety of community activities and pioneering flights in the Papua Mountains region.
