Latest Facts on the Shooting of US Pilot by OPM in Yahukimo

An American pilot, Nicholas F. Goselin, was shot dead by the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organisation (TPNPB-OPM). Nicholas was shot whilst flying an aircraft owned by PT AMA in the Sobaham District area, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan, on Thursday, 2 July 2026. TPNPB central headquarters spokesperson Sebby Sambom stated that the shooting of the US passport-holding pilot and the burning of the aircraft were carried out by TPNPB militia from Kodap XVI Yahukimo, led by Elkius Kobak. The aircraft piloted by Nicholas was executed because it was suspected of carrying logistics for Indonesian military (TNI) troops in Papua. Kogabwilhan III Commander Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto confirmed the pilot was shot by Elkius Kobak’s TPNPB militia. The body was evacuated on Friday, 3 July 2026, at 08.00 WIT. The following day, the Head of the Papua Regional Police’s Bhayangkara Hospital, Rommy Sebastian, reported that the body had several wounds. He added that the bullet entered through the left cheek and exited near the right ear, causing a fracture of the maxilla or right cheekbone. Here are some new facts regarding the shooting of the American pilot: TPNPB’s Reason for Shooting a Civilian Aircraft TPNPB OPM stated its reason for shooting the civilian aircraft. TPNPB OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom accused the UN, the United States, and the Netherlands of violating international law, claiming that Papuans are not involved in negotiations to resolve the root political issues in Tanah Papua. Sebby urged the UN to immediately resolve the root political issues between the Indonesian government and the Papuan people. He warned that if the UN does not respond seriously, the shootings will never stop. “The shooting of pilot Nicholas F. Goselin is a warning to the UN, the United States, and the Netherlands to immediately resolve the conflict in Tanah Papua,” Sebby said. Government to Pursue Law Enforcement Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago stated that the government will not tolerate any form of violence. He said the shooting impacts community activities, as air transport has become a lifeline for services in Papuan society. Djamari stated that the ministry will 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,” the retired general said on Saturday, 4 July 2026. Autopsy Results The Head of the Papua Regional Police’s Bhayangkara Hospital, Rommy Sebastian, reported that several wounds were found on the body. There were open wounds on the head, forehead, left cheek, and the area around the right ear. There were also abrasions on the right side of the head, fractures of the left and right upper jaw, and a fracture of the right lower jaw caused by blunt force trauma. “Additionally, an open wound was found on the left cheek consistent with the characteristics of a contact gunshot wound, where the muzzle of the weapon was perpendicular and pressed against the skin surface,” he said, as quoted by the Police Public Relations Division Portal on Saturday, 4 July 2026. He stated that the bullet’s path entered through the left cheek and exited near the right ear, causing a fracture of the maxilla or right cheekbone. “Radiological examination (X-ray) showed a fracture at the base of the skull,” he said. He noted that a radiological examination was performed, but no internal autopsy was conducted, only an external examination supported by X-ray photos. “From these results, it is known that the bullet’s entry and exit trajectory caused severe damage to the base of the skull. This injury caused the victim to die very quickly, or a sudden death,” he said. Violation of International Humanitarian Law The Executive Director of the Foundation for Justice and Human Integrity of Papua (YKKMP), Theo Hesegem, stated that the shooting of pilot Nicholas F. Goselin violated international humanitarian law. He said the pilot, who was serving a civilian flight, was a civilian performing humanitarian services for communities in remote areas. “Their presence has been crucial for connecting regions that are difficult to reach by land, as well as supporting the distribution of logistics, health services, education, and the basic needs of the community,” Theo said in a written statement on Saturday, 4 July 2026. Condemnation was also expressed by the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI). The Head of the PGI Papua Bureau, Reverend Ronald Rischard Tapilatu, said the conflict has caused casualties to fall. For him, this incident adds to the long list of murder cases in Indonesia’s easternmost region.