By: Yohanes Wandikbo )*
The tragedy of the shooting death of Associated Mission Aviation (AMA) pilot Nicholas F. Goselin and the burning of the AMA PK-RCY aircraft in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Mountains, has sparked deep sorrow and concern from various groups. This incident not only took the life of a civilian pilot on a humanitarian mission but also disrupted public services that have long been the mainstay of the community in the remote areas of Papua. Amid this situation, support for the government’s steps to thoroughly investigate the perpetrators and enforce the law is actually growing stronger. Various religious leaders, community leaders, humanitarian organizations, and aviation professional communities have expressed a shared stance that acts of violence against civil aviation cannot be justified and must be processed according to applicable law.
The government responded swiftly to the incident through coordination across ministries and agencies. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago strongly condemned the murder of the pilot and the burning of the AMA aircraft, which were allegedly carried out by an armed criminal group. He emphasized that the state will not tolerate any form of violence against civilians or humanitarian workers and assured security forces that law enforcement will firmly enforce the law to ensure the public’s safety and ensure the continuity of public services.
Brigadier General Honi Havana, M.MDS, Head of the Public Relations and Data Information Bureau of the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, explained that his ministry has been coordinating with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), local governments, and relevant agencies since the beginning of the incident to ensure that the victim evacuation, investigation, and security measures are carried out quickly, meticulously, and professionally. This approach reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining security and stability while protecting the Papuan people from the impact of violence.
The Chairman of the Papuan Policy and Human Rights Advocacy Association, Dr. Methodius Kossay, expressed his condolences for the death of Nicholas F. Goselin and condemned the criminal act against the pilot and aircraft carrying out humanitarian missions. He argued that AMA flights have contributed significantly to transporting health workers, teachers, clergy, medicines, and other essential supplies to remote communities, and that the attack on the aircraft directly harms the communities that rely on these services. He urged law enforcement officials to thoroughly investigate the perpetrators in a professional, transparent, and accountable manner.
Church leaders in Papua also expressed support for law enforcement. The Bishop of Jayapura, Mgr. Yanuarius Theofilus Matopai You, strongly condemned the killing of the pilot and the burning of the plane, saying these actions violate humanitarian values and threaten the safety of people who rely on aviation services. He believes that resolving the Papuan issue should not be achieved through violence, but rather through respect for human life and fair law enforcement.
Bishop Petrus Canisius Mandagi, MSC, of the Agats-Asmat Diocese, expressed a similar view, assessing the perpetrators as an armed criminal group that had committed brutal acts against civil aviation. He stated that violence against pilots on humanitarian missions is unjustifiable, requiring state authorities to take decisive action to protect the public and maintain the continuity of public services in Papua.
From the Protestant church, Reverend Ronald Rischard Tapilatu also condemned all forms of violence occurring in Papua. He believes that every incident that results in loss of life must be investigated through a credible investigation process while upholding human rights principles. He believes that professional law enforcement is a crucial foundation for building public trust and creating a security situation conducive to Papua’s development.
Meanwhile, Dr. AG Socratez Yoman strongly condemned the killing of the AMA pilot and called for an independent investigation into the incident. Regardless of their views on the investigative mechanism, this stance demonstrates a shared commitment that the killing of a civilian pilot is unjustifiable and must be resolved through a legal process that provides justice for the victims and the community.
The Director of PT Associated Mission Aviation, Bob Kayadu, also confirmed the humanitarian mission of the AMA flight. He strongly condemned the incident and denied allegations that the AMA aircraft was used to transport military logistics. He explained that AMA flights have focused on humanitarian services by transporting medical personnel, teachers, clergy, logistics, and various community needs in remote areas. This explanation further emphasized that the victims were carrying out humanitarian duties that provided real benefits to the Papuan people.
Support for strengthening civil aviation protection also came from the professional community. The Chairman of the Indonesian Pilots Association (IPI), Capt. Muammar Reza Nugraha, strongly condemned the killing of a civilian pilot and stated that strengthening aviation security must be a national priority, especially in high-risk areas. He stated that ensuring the safety of flight crews is a primary requirement for the uninterrupted distribution of logistics, health services, education, and various humanitarian activities.
The growing support from religious leaders, community leaders, humanitarian organizations, and professional communities demonstrates that law enforcement in the Yahukimo tragedy is not solely a government interest, but a shared need to maintain a sense of security for the Papuan people. This shared stance across these elements reflects the recognition that protecting humanitarian missions is a universal value that must be upheld by all elements of the nation.
)* The author is from Papua Development