inp.polri.go.id - Yahukimo. The 2026 Damai Cartenz Ops Task Force continued their deep investigation on the fire that involved a plane owned by PT Associated Mission Aviation (AMA) at Perintis Balingga Airport, Thursday (7/2/2026).
The initial information regarding the incident was first received by the task force through a video recording from air that showed a burned plane at the end of the runway. The video was reportedly taken by another pilot who was going through the location.
Following the information, the authority immediately launched an investigation and coordinated with the aviation party to confirm the incident.
The Chief of Damai Cartenz 2026 Public Relations Task Force, Senior Superintendent Yusuf Sutejo, says that his party has mapped the location and prepared a plan to handle the case.
“After receiving the information, we immediately launched an investigation and coordinated with the aviation party. However, as of now, we still cannot confirm the information relating to the victims as our team is still investigating the case,” said Yusuf.
According to the current information, the PK-RCY Plane was operating the Wamena-Balingga-Wamena route, using a Pilatus aircraft. According to the airline's manifest, the aircraft was piloted by Nicholas F. Goselin, a United States citizen, and was carrying seven passengers.
"Preliminary confirmation confirms that the aircraft fire did occur. However, information regarding the condition of the pilot and passengers is still pending on-site inspections," added Yusuf.
The 2026 Damai Cartenz Operation Task Force also stated that there are preliminary suspicions of the involvement of an armed criminal group (KKB). However, these suspicions still require confirmation through crime scene investigation, evidence collection, and witness examinations, so no definitive conclusions can be drawn.
The handling process on the ground also faces geographical constraints. There is no land access, so it can only be reached by pioneering flights. Furthermore, the airport's location at an altitude of approximately 2,292 meters above sea level makes it difficult for officers to reach the location, considering the weather conditions.
The Head of the 2026 Damai Cartenz Operation Task Force, Inspector General Faizal Ramadhani, said that the task force is moving quickly to conduct an in-depth investigation to ensure that all information that develops can be accounted for.
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