Coordinating Minister Condemns Murder of US Pilot in Papua Highlands

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago has condemned the brutal killing of American pilot Nicholas F. Goseli by an armed criminal group (KKB) in the Papua Highlands on Thursday. “I strongly condemn the burning of the aircraft and the heinous act against the AMA pilot, which is strongly suspected to have been carried out by the KKB,” Djamari said in a press statement received in Jakarta on Friday. He stated that the perpetrators must be dealt with firmly for taking a life and threatening the security of the Papuan people. Djamari confirmed he would push the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the National Police (Polri) to continue pursuing the perpetrators and take decisive action. He also requested that the TNI and Polri strengthen airport security to ensure the safety of aviation activities in Papua. Meanwhile, the TNI Habema Operations Command is currently pursuing the separatist group that killed Nicholas F. Goselin in Balinggama Village, Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands. The pursuit operation was launched after the task force successfully evacuated the American pilot’s body from the shooting site. “Today’s evacuation operation involved 10 personnel from the TNI Habema Operations Command, supported by two Caracal helicopters. The entire process prioritised security and precision given the highly challenging mountainous terrain,” said Head of Information for the TNI Habema Operations Command, Lieutenant Colonel Inf Wirya Arthadiguna. Regarding the manhunt, Wirya stated that the group responsible for Nicholas’s death has been identified. “The murder of the pilot and the burning of the PT AMA aircraft were carried out by the Free Papua Organisation (OPM) XVI/Yahukimo group led by Elkius Kobak,” he said. The task force is currently gathering various clues to locate the separatist group. Personnel have also been deployed to tighten security at the shooting site to prevent any follow-up attacks that could threaten the safety of local residents. “Patrols are being conducted and the perpetrators are being pursued. We will continue to synergise with all relevant elements to maintain public security and pioneer flight services in Papua,” Wirya explained. The incident occurred on Thursday at 06:50 WIT. The attack took place when the aircraft, which had taken off from Wamena Airport, landed at Ipdeheik Airport in Balinggama Village, Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, at 06:46 WIT. The aircraft was attacked and set on fire, and the pilot was declared dead from gunshot wounds at the scene.