Separatists Kill American Pilot in Indonesia's Papua, Cite Military Suspicions

American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin was killed by the separatist group West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) in Indonesia's Papua region on Thursday, July 2, 2026. The TPNPB-OPM, through its spokesperson Sebby Sambom, claimed responsibility for shooting down the PT AMA-owned plane in Yahukimo.

Sambom stated the TPNPB militia Kodap XVI Yahukimo, led by Elkius Kobak, carried out the attack and burned the plane. The group suspected the pilot was transporting military supplies for the Indonesian army. Commander of Kogabwilhan III, Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto, confirmed the pilot was shot by the TPNPB militia under Kobak's command.

The pilot's body was recovered on Friday, July 3, 2026. An autopsy at Bhayangkara Hospital revealed multiple wounds, including a bullet entry through the left cheek exiting near the right ear, causing a fractured jaw. Abrasions and fractures to the jaw and cheekbone were also noted.

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The shooting of pilot Nicholas F. Goselin is a warning to the UN, the United States, and the Netherlands to promptly resolve the conflict in Papua.

TPNPB OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom accused the UN, the United States, and the Netherlands of violating international law by not involving Papuan people in negotiations to resolve political issues. He warned that shootings would continue if the UN did not address the root causes of the conflict, calling the incident a "warning" to these nations.

Indonesia's Minister of Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Djamari Chaniago, denounced the violence, highlighting its disruption to air transportation, which is vital for Papua. He pledged government action to enforce the law against perpetrators and secure essential flights to maintain public services.

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At the same time, we will also encourage efforts to secure pioneer flights to ensure the safety of the people and the continuity of public services.