Wamendagri Expresses Condolences, Condemns Aircraft Burning Incident in Papua

Indonesia's Deputy Interior Minister Ribka Haluk has expressed deep condolences and strong condemnation following the burning of an Associated Mission Aviation (AMA) aircraft, which resulted in the death of pilot Nicholas F. Goselin. The incident occurred at the Balinggama Airfield in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan.

"As Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, I express my deepest condolences to the extended family of the late pilot captain and the entire AMA airline family who are currently grieving over the shooting of the pilot in Yahukimo Regency," Ribka stated on Thursday, July 2, 2026, after attending the Indonesian Education Conference in Yogyakarta.

“

As Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, I express my deepest condolences to the extended family of the late pilot captain and the entire AMA airline family who are currently grieving over the shooting of the pilot in Yahukimo Regency.

Haluk highlighted that the attack not only claimed the life of a pilot performing humanitarian duties but also poses a significant threat to the continuity of pioneer flights. These flights are the primary means of access for communities in remote Papua, and their disruption could severely impact residents' access to essential services like education and healthcare, as well as their economic activities.

“

There is no other way to build Papua than by providing services to the people in the outskirts. Therefore, every action must consider the livelihoods of many. Do not let the community, especially the children of Papua living in remote areas, be the ones who suffer.

"There is no other way to build Papua than by providing services to the people in the outskirts. Therefore, every action must consider the livelihoods of many. Do not let the community, especially the children of Papua living in remote areas, be the ones who suffer," Ribka urged. She specifically called on the Papua Pegunungan Provincial Government, the Yahukimo Regency Government, the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), and security forces to conduct a thorough investigation and pursue the perpetrators.

The Deputy Minister acknowledged the vital role played by PT AMA and other pioneer airlines in serving remote communities, often in challenging geographical conditions, limited infrastructure, and security concerns. "If these pioneer planes serving the community in the most remote areas are no longer there, who will come to serve them?" she questioned, underscoring the importance of continued service for these isolated populations.

“

If these pioneer planes serving the community in the most remote areas are no longer there, who will come to serve them?