Government Vows Crackdown After US Pilot Killed and Plane Torched in Papua

The Indonesian government has declared it will not tolerate the shooting of an American pilot and the arson of a Pilatus aircraft in Yahukimo, Papua Pegunungan. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago labelled the attack, allegedly carried out by an armed criminal group (KKB), as a heinous act that threatens public safety and essential services in Papua. “The government will not tolerate any form of violence and heinous acts against the community or air transport, which is the lifeline for people’s lives in Papua,” Djamari said in a press statement on Saturday (4/7). He confirmed that security forces would pursue the perpetrators, with his ministry pushing for a thorough investigation and firm law enforcement by the TNI and Polri. Beyond prosecution, the government plans to strengthen security for pioneer flights in Papua to ensure public safety and maintain public services in remote areas heavily reliant on air transport. The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) Kodap XVI Yahukimo previously claimed responsibility for the shooting of pilot Nicholas F. Goselin and the burning of the PT AMA aircraft in Balinggama Village, Sobaham District. TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom stated the attack was carried out by their Bakusip Company, claiming the aircraft had violated an ultimatum banning civilian planes from entering their operational zone. Sambom accused civilian aircraft of being used to transport Indonesian military troops and logistics into the interior.