Deployment of Non-Organic Troops to Papua Called for Evaluation

The Executive Director of the Foundation for Justice and Human Integrity in Papua (YKKMP), Theo Hesegem, has asked President Prabowo Subianto to evaluate the policy of deploying non-organic troops to Papua. According to him, this security approach is incapable of solving Papua’s problems. “The security approach actually causes casualties, displaces communities, and worsens humanitarian conditions in various regions of Papua,” the humanitarian activist in Papua said in a written statement on Monday, 6 July 2026. One of the most recent victims, according to Theo, is American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin. Goselin was shot dead by the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organisation (TPNPB-OPM) in Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands, on Thursday, 2 July 2026. The TPNPB-OPM accused the aircraft Goselin was piloting of carrying logistics for TNI troops in Papua. According to Theo, the conflict between the two parties has sacrificed civilians, including the pilot. In fact, pilots from civil aviation are a vital part of humanitarian services in Papua. They transport health workers, teachers, patients, logistics, food, medicines, and basic necessities for communities in remote areas. “These areas can only be reached by air,” he said. From the perspective of international humanitarian law, he said, civil aviation pilots are civilians as long as they do not take a direct part in hostilities. They must not be made targets of attack. The same protection also applies to health workers, teachers, humanitarian volunteers, religious figures, women, children, the elderly, and all civil society. Therefore, he asked Prabowo to evaluate all security policies in Papua. He urged prioritising peaceful dialogue and ensuring that health services, education, and humanitarian aid continue to operate. Tempo attempted to confirm this with Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, but he has not yet responded. Based on research by Project Multatuli in 2025, there are 83,177 organic joint TNI and Polri personnel serving in Tanah Papua. This number consists of 56,517 TNI soldiers and 26,660 Polri personnel spread across the Papua region. TPNPB central headquarters spokesperson Sebby Sambom previously stated that the shooting of the pilot holding a United States passport and the burning were carried out by TPNPB militia of Kodap XVI Yahukimo led by Elkius Kobak. The aircraft piloted by Nicholas was executed because it was suspected of carrying logistics for TNI troops in Papua. Commander of Kogabwilhan III Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto also confirmed the pilot was shot by the TPNPB militia of Elkius Kobak. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago stated the government will not tolerate any form of violence. For him, the shooting has impacted community activities, as air transport has become the lifeline of services for the people of Papua. Djamari stated the ministry would push for the investigation process and law enforcement steps against the perpetrators. “At the same time, we will push for efforts to secure pioneer flights to guarantee public safety and the continuity of public services,” the retired general said on Saturday, 4 July 2026.