Antara, Jayapura – Indonesian security forces are pursuing seven suspected members of an armed separatist group accused of killing an American pilot and setting fire to a civilian aircraft in Papua's Yahukimo Regency, authorities said on Wednesday.
The seven suspects, identified only by their initials MB, AB, LS, DA, NS, KB, and SP, have been named as suspects and placed on the national wanted list following the July 2 attack in Balinggama, a district in Papua Pegunungan Province.
Police believe the suspects were involved in the fatal shooting of Nicholas Goselin, a US national who was piloting an aircraft operated by AMA, before burning the plane, an attack that authorities say endangered aviation safety.
"The Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force continues to pursue the suspects and is coordinating with all relevant units to bring them to justice," IGG Era Adhinata, head of law enforcement for the Cartenz Peace Operation, said in a statement.
Investigators estimate the armed group consists of around 15 members equipped with assault rifles, handguns, and homemade firearms. Authorities are continuing to investigate the group's network, movements, and weapons supply.
The suspects have been charged under Indonesia's new Criminal Code with murder and offenses related to endangering aviation safety. If convicted, they face a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.
Police have also completed a forensic examination of the crime scene, where investigators documented extensive fire damage to the Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter aircraft, registered PK-RCY.
Goselin's body had been evacuated from the site on July 3 and transported first to Timika and later to Jayapura.
Investigators recovered a range of evidence from the scene, including the burned aircraft, bullet casings, aircraft debris, fire residue, and soil samples for forensic analysis.
During a search of the surrounding area, officers also discovered a traditional hut believed to have served as a base for the armed group. A sign at the site identified it as a command post of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB).
Police seized items including camouflage clothing, machetes, an air rifle, a mobile phone, documents, and alleged TPNPB membership cards, which are being examined to determine their connection to the attack and the broader network involved.
Authorities said all evidence has been submitted for forensic, digital forensic, and laboratory analysis as investigators continue building the case while the manhunt for the seven suspects remains underway.