American Pilot Killed in Armed Criminal Group Shooting in Papua, Gunshot Wound to Left Cheek

The Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force has confirmed that the pilot of an Associated Mission Aviation (AMA) aircraft, Captain Nicholas F. Goselin (29), died from a gunshot wound following an attack by an armed criminal group (KKB) at Balinggama Airstrip in Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan. Dr. Rommy Sebastian, Head of Medical Services at the Papua Regional Police Hospital, stated that the examination revealed an open wound on the left cheek consistent with a contact gunshot wound, where the firearm’s muzzle was perpendicular and pressed against the skin. The bullet entered through the left cheek and exited near the right ear, causing a fracture of the right maxilla. Radiological examination showed a fracture at the base of the skull, and the trajectory of the bullet caused severe damage, leading to a sudden death. Head of the Law Enforcement Task Force for Operation Damai Cartenz, Senior Commissioner I. G. G. Era Adinata, said the motive for the attack is still under investigation, noting that the armed group had previously threatened flight activities entering areas they claim as their operational zone. The task force has committed to a professional investigation to identify all perpetrators and the motives behind the shooting, aiming to provide legal certainty for the incident.