DistantNews
Support us
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Conflict & Security

Government Shows No Tolerance for Pilot Shooting in Papua

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • The Indonesian government condemns the shooting of a pilot and the burning of an AMA aircraft in Papua, which killed a U.S. pilot.
  • The incident, attributed to the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM), disrupts public services that rely on air transport.
  • Authorities are investigating and will pursue legal action against the perpetrators while ensuring flight safety.

Indonesia's government has strongly condemned the fatal shooting of a pilot and the subsequent burning of an AMA aircraft in Papua, an act allegedly carried out by the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM). The incident, which occurred in Yahukimo on Thursday, July 2, 2026, resulted in the death of U.S. pilot Nicholas F. Goselin.

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Djamari Chaniago, stated that the government will not tolerate such violence. He emphasized that the attack by separatist groups significantly impacts community activities, as air transportation is a vital lifeline for the people of Papua. The ministry is committed to supporting the investigation and prosecuting those responsible.

The government will not tolerate any form of violence and heinous acts.

— Djamari ChaniagoMinister Coordinator for Political and Security Affairs, condemning the attack.

Authorities are also working to enhance the security of pioneer flights to guarantee public safety and the continuity of public services. The Ministry of Political, Legal, and Security Affairs is coordinating with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and other relevant agencies to manage the aftermath of the incident. The retrieved body of the pilot is being prepared for transport to Jakarta.

The TPNPB-OPM has claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was a warning against further flights by Indonesian airlines in Papua. The group's spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, declared that the shooting was intended to prevent any more Indonesian airlines from operating in the region. This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in Papua.

We shot as an ultimatum so that no more Indonesian airlines fly in the land of Papua.

— Sebby SambomTPNPB-OPM spokesperson, explaining the motive behind the attack.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog