Government Vows Zero Tolerance for Pilot Shooting in Papua

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago has issued a strong condemnation of the shooting of a pilot and the burning of an AMA aircraft, allegedly carried out by the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organisation (TPNPB-OPM) militia. The incident, which occurred in Yahukimo on Thursday, 2 July 2026, resulted in the death of an American pilot, Nicholas F. Goselin. “The government will not tolerate any form of violence and heinous acts,” he stated in a written release on Saturday, 4 July 2026. He noted that the shooting by the separatist group also impacts community activities, as air transport serves as a lifeline for services in Papuan communities. Djamari stated that the ministry would push for an investigation and law enforcement measures against the perpetrators. “At the same time, we will encourage efforts to secure pioneer flights to guarantee public safety and the continuity of public services,” said the retired general. He added that the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs is currently monitoring and coordinating with the TNI, Polri, and other agencies regarding the handling of the shooting incident. He expressed appreciation for the officers’ response in evacuating the body of the deceased. “The body is now at Timika Regional Hospital before Koops TNI Habema hands it over to PT AMA for transport to Jakarta,” Djamari said. According to the TNI’s chronology, the shooting of the pilot and the burning of the AMA aircraft PK-RCY, serial number 923, was strongly suspected to have been carried out by the OPM group led by Elkius Kobak. Commander of Kogabwilhan III, Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto, said the Pilatus Porter pioneer aircraft departed from Wamena Airport at 06.30 WIT and landed at Ipdeheik Airstrip, Balinggama Village, Yahukimo, approximately 16 minutes later. According to Lucky, as the aircraft was about to land, the TPNPB militia launched a blind attack. The American pilot, Nicholas F. Goselin, died in the incident. “The seven passengers were declared safe,” he said. The TPNPB-OPM claimed responsibility for the shooting of the pilot and the burning of the aircraft in Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands, on Thursday. The spokesperson for the TPNPB central headquarters, Sebby Sambom, said the shooting of the American passport-holding pilot and the burning of the aircraft were carried out directly by the TPNPB militia of Kodap XVI Yahukimo, led by Elkius Kobak. “We shot him as an ultimatum so that no more Indonesian airlines fly in Papua,” Sambom said in a written statement on Friday.