Key Facts About American Pilot Shot Dead in Indonesia's Papua

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – American pilot, Nicholas F. Goselin, was shot and killed by the separatist group West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) in Indonesia. Nicholas was shot while flying a plane owned by PT AMA in the Sobaham District, Yahukimo, Mountainous Papua, on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

Spokesperson of TPNPB headquarters, Sebby Sambom, stated that the shooting of the American passport carrying pilot and the burning of the plane was carried out by the TPNPB militia Kodap XVI Yahukimo led by Elkius Kobak. The plane flown by Nicholas was executed on suspicion of carrying logistics for the Indonesian military in Papua. Commander of Kogabwilhan III, Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto, confirmed that the pilot was shot by the TPNPB militia led by Elkius Kobak.

The body was evacuated on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 08:00 WIT. The Head of the Bhayangkara Hospital of the Papua Regional Police, Rommy Sebastian, reported that the body was found with several wounds. He added that the bullet entered through the left cheek and exited around the right ear, causing a broken maxilla or right cheekbone.

Here are some new facts regarding the shooting of the American pilot:

Reasons Behind TPNPB Shooting Civil Aircraft

TPNPB OPM stated the reasons for shooting the civil aircraft. TPNPB OPM spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, accused the UN, the United States, and the Netherlands of violating international law. The people of Papua were not involved in negotiations to resolve the political issues in Papua.

Sebby called on the UN to promptly address the root of the political issues between the Indonesian government and the people of Papua. If the UN does not respond seriously, the shootings will never stop.

"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," said Sebby.

Government to Enforce Law

Minister of Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Djamari Chaniago, stated that the government will not tolerate any form of violence. He believes that the shooting has an impact on the activities of the people, as air transportation has become the lifeline for the people of Papua.

Djamari stated that the ministry will push for an investigation process and law enforcement measures against the perpetrators. "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," said the retired general on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

Results of Autopsy

The Head of the Bhayangkara Hospital of the Papua Regional Police, Rommy Sebastian, reported that they found several wounds on the body. There were open wounds on the head, forehead, left cheek, and the area around the right ear. There were also abrasions on the right side of the head, fractures in the upper left and right jaws, as well as a broken right lower jaw due to blunt force trauma.

"In addition, an open wound was found on the left cheek which corresponds to the characteristics of a contact gunshot wound, where the barrel of the weapon is positioned perpendicular and close to the skin surface," he said, as quoted by the Public Relations Division of the Indonesian National Police, Saturday, July 4, 2026.

He stated that the bullet entered through the left cheek and exited around the right ear, causing a broken maxilla or right cheekbone. "Radiological examination (X-ray) showed bone fractures at the base of the skull," he said.

He said that they conducted radiological examinations and did not perform an autopsy, but only an external examination supported by X-ray images.

"From the results, it is known that the bullet's path of entry and exit caused severe damage to the base of the skull. This injury caused the victim to swiftly and suddenly pass away," he said.

Violation of International Humanitarian Law

The Executive Director of the Papua Justice and Human Integrity Foundation (YKKMP), Theo Hesegem, stated that the shooting of pilot Nicholas F. Goselin violated international humanitarian law. He said that pilots serving civil aviation are civilians providing humanitarian services to people in remote areas.

"Their presence has been crucial in connecting hard-to-reach areas via land routes, while also supporting the distribution of logistics, health services, education, and the basic needs of the people," said Theo in a written statement on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

Condemnation was also expressed by the Communion of Churches in Indonesia or PGI. Head of the PGI Papua Bureau, Reverend Ronald Rischard Tapilatu, stated that the conflict has resulted in loss of lives. For him, the incident adds to the long list of murder cases in the easternmost part of Indonesia.

Andi Adam and Novali Panji Nugroho contributed to this article.

Read: US Pilot Shot in Papua: What We Know So Far