ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesia has condemned the deadly attack that killed American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin and destroyed a civilian aircraft in the remote Papua Highlands, pledging to bring those responsible to justice while strengthening security for essential air services in the conflict-affected region.
Authorities on Friday handed over Goselin’s body to his family and employer after Indonesian military personnel recovered it from the attack site.
Goselin was piloting a PT AMA Air aircraft, registered PK-RCY, when it came under attack shortly after landing at Ipdeheik Airstrip in Balinggama Village, Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Highland Papua, on Thursday. The aircraft was later set ablaze, and Goselin was found dead at the scene.
The evacuation was carried out by troops from the Habema Joint Operations Command after security forces secured the airstrip during a rapid-response operation in the mountainous region.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family,” Deputy Commander of the Habema Joint Operations Command Brig. Gen. Riyanto said in an official statement.
“Our priority is to recover the victim, secure the area, protect local communities, and support law enforcement efforts to bring those responsible to justice,” he added.
Commander of the Joint Regional Defense Command III, Lt. Gen. Lucky Avianto said the body was flown to the Indonesian Army Hospital in Timika before being formally handed over to Goselin’s family and PT AMA Air for transport to Jakarta.
Following the attack, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, General (Ret.) Djamari Chaniago, condemned the killing of Goselin and the burning of the aircraft, which authorities attributed to an armed separatist group operating in Papua.
Chaniago said the government “will not tolerate any form of violence” against civilians or aircraft providing essential transportation and public services in Papua.
He said authorities would continue investigating the attack, pursue those responsible through law enforcement, and strengthen security for pioneer aviation services that serve as a vital lifeline for isolated communities.
The The West Papua National Liberation Army said its fighters carried out the attack that killed Goselin and set the PT AMA Air aircraft on fire.
Spokesperson Sebby Sambom said the aircraft had entered what the group considers its operational area despite previous warnings to civilian pilots.
He also alleged that some civilian aircraft had been used to transport Indonesian security personnel and logistics.
Indonesian authorities have not indicated that the aircraft was involved in military operations, and the allegations made by the separatist group have not been independently verified. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.
Papua has experienced decades of low-intensity conflict between Indonesian security forces and armed separatist groups seeking independence. The violence has periodically disrupted civilian life and air transport, which remains the primary means of transporting passengers and delivering food, medicine, and other essential supplies to many remote mountain communities.
The latest attack underscores the persistent security challenges facing civilian aviation in Papua, where small aircraft remain an indispensable lifeline for isolated regions. (Silvia Andriani)
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