Shooting of US Pilot in Papua Violates International Humanitarian Law

Theo Hesegem, Executive Director of the Yayasan Keadilan dan Keutuhan Manusia Papua (YKKMP), has stated that the shooting of American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin violates international humanitarian law. He said the pilot, who was serving a civilian flight, was a civilian carrying out 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,” he said in a written statement on Saturday, 4 July 2026. According to him, every party involved in an armed conflict has an obligation to distinguish between military targets and civilians. The principle of distinction is one of the main principles of International Humanitarian Law that must be respected by all parties without exception. Under International Humanitarian Law, civilians and persons who are not or are no longer participating in hostilities (hors de combat) are entitled to protection from attack. Therefore, the deliberate killing of civilians, including civilian pilots not directly participating in hostilities, is prohibited. “In certain circumstances, such actions can constitute serious violations of International Humanitarian Law and may even be qualified as war crimes,” he said. International Humanitarian Law also does not classify a person solely based on their profession. A civilian pilot remains considered a civilian as long as they do not take a direct part in hostilities. “The assessment of such status must be based on objective facts and evidence, not merely on accusations or claims from one party,” he said. These principles are regulated in the Geneva Conventions of 1949, particularly Common Article 3, and reinforced by Additional Protocols I and II of 1977 concerning the protection of civilians in armed conflict. He noted two differing narratives regarding the incident. Based on an official statement from the TPNPB-OPM, they claimed to have attacked the aircraft because they believed it was being used to support Indonesian military operations. Conversely, the Indonesian government stated that the aircraft was a civilian plane serving communities in the interior of Papua. For him, the differing claims demonstrate the necessity of an independent, transparent, and accountable investigation. The aim is for the actual facts to be known by the public. Beyond the differing narratives, he assessed that any action resulting in the loss of civilian lives will further worsen the humanitarian situation in Papua. It also creates new trauma for the community, hampers public services, and narrows the space for peaceful conflict resolution. He also urged that any strategy in an armed conflict must consider the humanitarian, legal, and political impacts. The use of violence against civilians potentially reduces international sympathy and worsens the humanitarian situation in Papua. Previously, an American pilot, Nicholas F. Goselin, was killed after being shot by the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM). Nicholas was shot while flying an aircraft belonging to PT AMA in the Sobaham District area, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan, on Thursday, 2 July 2026. TPNPB central headquarters spokesperson Sebby Sambom said 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. “We shot him as an ultimatum so that no more Indonesian airlines fly in the land of Papua,” Sambom said in a written statement on Friday, 3 July 2026. Following the incident, TNI soldiers from the Habema Operations Command (Koops Habema) conducted a special operation to secure the Ipdeheik airstrip in Balinggama Village, Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan, the location of the pilot shooting and the burning of the PT AMA pioneer aircraft. Head of Information for Koops Habema, Lieutenant Colonel Wirya Arthadiguna, said the operation was carried out to secure the airstrip as an entry point for aid and to support tactical search and rescue (SAR) and victim evacuation. “The operation was conducted to control and secure the airstrip as an entry point for aid, as well as to carry out tactical SAR and victim evacuation,” Wirya said on Friday, 3 July 2026.