Papuaaround.com – The evacuation process of Private Yusuf Nata Baya, a soldier from the RI-PNG Mobile Task Force (Satgas Pamtas Mobile) under TNI’s Habema Operational Command (Koops TNI Habema) and member of Infantry Battalion 100/PS, was completed smoothly at Mozes Kilangin Airport in Timika on Monday morning, October 13, 2025. The soldier was killed in a shooting incident carried out by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) under the Ndugama Command (Kodap III), reportedly led by Pemne Kogoya and Soa Soa.
According to the Mimika Police, the evacuation was conducted using two Indonesian Army Aviation (Penerbad) Bell 412EP helicopters with registration numbers HA-5164 and HA-5182. The aircraft departed from Tetmied, Nduga Regency, where the incident occurred, and flew to Timika for the retrieval operation. The mission began at 6:00 a.m. local time with a pre-flight inspection and a briefing session for the flight crew before takeoff.
At approximately 7:04 a.m. local time, both helicopters departed for Tetmied to collect the remains. By 9:18 a.m., they had safely landed back at Mozes Kilangin Airport, carrying the body of Private Yusuf Nata Baya along with accompanying personnel. Upon arrival, the remains were immediately transferred to an ambulance and transported to the Timika Level IV Military Hospital (Rumkit Tk. IV Timika), part of the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Health Command, for postmortem care and funeral arrangements.
Private Yusuf Nata Baya sustained a fatal gunshot wound during an attack by the KKB in Nduga on Sunday, October 12, 2025. He was struck in the right shoulder, with the bullet exiting through his back. The 24-year-old soldier, born in Lahat, South Sumatra, on February 7, 2001, served with the 100/PS Infantry Battalion under the Bukit Barisan Military Command (Kodam I/Bukit Barisan).
Authorities confirmed that the entire evacuation process proceeded without disruption. Security officers from the TNI and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) coordinated closely with the Mozes Kilangin Airport authority to ensure safety and order throughout the mission.
Officials emphasized that the operation was carried out under tight security due to the volatile conditions in Nduga Regency, where attacks by armed separatist groups have occurred frequently in recent years. The joint task force prioritized personnel safety and adhered to standard operational protocols to prevent any potential threat during the flight.
Once at the hospital, the body of Private Yusuf Nata Baya underwent standard military honors and was prepared for the funeral ceremony. Further arrangements were made for the repatriation of the remains to his hometown, where family members and fellow soldiers would pay their last respects.
The Indonesian military continues to conduct security operations in Papua, particularly in Nduga and surrounding areas, to maintain stability and protect civilians from armed attacks. Despite the ongoing challenges, authorities reaffirm their commitment to upholding peace and ensuring that the perpetrators of violence are brought to justice.
The successful evacuation marked a coordinated effort between multiple agencies and reflected the professionalism of both the TNI and the police in managing high-risk operations under difficult circumstances.