US Pilot Dies in Papua Attack, OPM Suspected

A small PT AMA Air plane, piloted by American Nicholas F. Goselin, caught fire upon landing at the Ipdeheik Airport in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Mountains, resulting in the pilot's death. Authorities suspect the involvement of the 'Armed Criminal Group' (OPM) and have strongly condemned the act. According to Lukman F. Laisa, Director General of Air Transportation at the Ministry of Transportation, the pilot, Nicholas F. Goselin, was operating a pioneer aircraft belonging to PT AMA Air. The plane departed from Wamena and was en route to Yahukimo. Initial reports from the head of the Wamena Class I UPBU (Airport Authority Unit) indicated that pilot Nicholas was reported deceased in the incident. The exact cause of death is currently under investigation by the authorities. "The initial report from the head of the Wamena Class I UPBU stated that the pilot of the aircraft, Nicholas F. Goselin, was reported deceased. The suspected cause of the incident is still awaiting further confirmation from the authorities," he explained in a written statement on Thursday (2/7). Facts of the incident compiled by CNN Indonesia: The aircraft departed from Wamena for Yahukimo carrying one pilot and seven passengers. All passengers were Papuan residents. Lukman explained that the pioneer aircraft reportedly arrived at Balinggama Airfield at 06:46 WIT. He confirmed that the weather conditions along the route were reported as good before the flight. "Before the flight was carried out, weather information on the flight route was reported to be in good condition," he explained. However, he mentioned that after the pilot reported the plane had landed, communication from the airport's post area was reported to be cut off. "After the pilot reported that the plane had landed, communication from the post area at the airport was reported to be cut off," he stated. Despite the pilot's death, the seven passengers survived the incident. All were Papuan residents. "Seven passengers, all of whom are indigenous Papuans (OAP), were reported to have survived and are in safe condition," said Kapendam XVII/Cenderawasih, Colonel Inf Tri Purwanto, in a written statement on Friday (3/7). Efforts to evacuate Nicholas's body failed on the first day due to bad weather that hampered flights to the scene. An evacuation team had previously been dispatched from Timika and had flown for about 15 minutes towards the incident location. However, due to worsening weather, the flight was canceled, and the team decided to return to Timika. The evacuation process was scheduled to continue on Friday (3/7). Head of Information for Koops TNI Habema, Lieutenant Colonel Inf Wirya Artadiguna, stated that the evacuation of the AMA aircraft pilot in Balinggama, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Mountains, was hampered by weather. Nicholas's body was eventually successfully evacuated from the Ipdeheik Airport area, located at an altitude of approximately 2,292 meters above sea level, after authorities secured the location. The Indonesian government strongly condemned the burning of the aircraft and the shooting of the pilot, allegedly by OPM. The government asserted that such actions are unjustifiable acts of violence and demanded that the perpetrators be processed according to the law. Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Djamari Chaniago, stated that since receiving initial information about the incident, his ministry has been continuously monitoring and carrying out coordinating steps with TNI, Polri units, ministries/agencies, and related institutions. "The Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs expresses its appreciation to the TNI, Polri units, and all involved parties for their swiftness in evacuating the body of the late Nicholas F. Goselin, the pilot of the AMA aircraft, today, Friday (3/7) at around 09:00 WIT," said Djamari in a written statement on Friday (3/7). He emphasized that the government will not tolerate any form of violence and heinous acts against the community or air transportation facilities, which are the lifeblood of services for the community in Papua. "The Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs will continue to push for the investigation process and firm law enforcement steps by TNI-Polri against the perpetrators, while also encouraging efforts to secure pioneer flights to ensure the safety of the community and the continuity of public services," he said.