In a tragic incident in Yahukimo, Indonesia, the body of American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin is being prepared for repatriation to the United States following an armed attack. The attack was claimed by the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement, which stated that the aircraft was targeted for allegedly breaching a ban on civilian flights in areas under their control. The group accused civilian aircraft of supporting Indonesian military operations by facilitating the transport of troops and supplies.
The aircraft, managed by PT AMA, was set ablaze after the assault, though fortunately, all seven Indonesian passengers aboard emerged unscathed. Following the attack, Indonesian authorities successfully recovered and evacuated the pilot’s body. The Foreign Ministry of Indonesia has confirmed its ongoing collaboration with the US Embassy in Jakarta and other relevant agencies to ensure consular access and the swift repatriation of the pilot’s remains.
Indonesia’s government has strongly condemned all acts of violence directed at civilians, public service infrastructures, and aircraft that serve remote communities. It reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding the safety and well-being of foreign nationals residing in the country. Meanwhile, the United States has expressed that it is closely monitoring the investigation but opted to refrain from further comments out of respect for the pilot’s family during this difficult time.
Indonesian authorities have initiated an investigation into the attack, seeking to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident and bring those responsible to justice. The focus remains on addressing the security concerns raised by the attack and ensuring the safety of aviation operations in the region as part of broader efforts to stabilize the situation.