YAHUKIMO – The shooting death of Associated Mission Aviation (AMA) pilot Nicholas F. Goselin and the subsequent burning of the AMA PK-RCY aircraft in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Mountains, has drawn widespread condemnation from various groups. The tragedy has not only left grief in the aviation world but also generated support for the government’s efforts to thoroughly investigate the perpetrators through professional law enforcement. Various figures believe that civil aviation security must be a shared concern given its vital role in supporting humanitarian services in Papua.
The government ensures that the case is being handled seriously through cross-sector coordination. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago emphasized that acts of violence against civil aviation are criminal acts that cannot be tolerated.
“The murder of a civilian pilot and the burning of an airplane are criminal acts that must be prosecuted according to the law. The state will enforce the law firmly and professionally,” Djamari Chaniago emphasized.
These efforts are strengthened by coordination between the government, security forces, local governments, and related agencies to ensure the investigation process runs effectively while maintaining a conducive situation.
Head of the Public Relations and Data Information Bureau of the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs, Brigadier General TNI Honi Havana, M.MDS, said that all parties continue to work together in handling the incident.
“Coordination with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), local governments, and related agencies continues to ensure optimal handling and public safety,” said Brigadier General Honi Havana, M.MDS.
Support for the investigation of the case also came from the Chairman of the Papuan Policy Advocacy and Human Rights Association, Dr. Methodius Kossay, who considered the shooting of a civil aviation flight contrary to humanitarian values.
“The perpetrators must be processed through a professional, independent, transparent, and accountable legal mechanism so that justice can be realized,” added Dr. Methodius Kossay.
A similar condemnation was expressed by the Bishop of Jayapura, Mgr. Yanuarius Theofilus Matopai You, who urged all parties to prioritize a peaceful resolution.
“There is no justification for taking human life. Every issue must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with the law,” said Bishop Yanuarius Theofilus Matopai You.
Bishop Petrus Canisius Mandagi, MSC, of the Agats-Asmat Diocese echoed this sentiment, believing that violence against civil aviation would only exacerbate the impact on society.
“Firm law enforcement is necessary to ensure the public feels safe and to ensure humanitarian services continue,” concluded Bishop Petrus Canisius Mandagi, MSC.
From Protestant church circles, Reverend Ronald Rischard Tapilatu pushed for a credible investigation.
“Investigations must be conducted professionally while respecting human rights principles so that the results are trusted by the public,” said Reverend Ronald Rischard Tapilatu.
Meanwhile, Dr. AG Socratez Yoman believes that open disclosure of the case is important to bring about justice.
“This incident needs to be investigated openly so that the truth can be known and justice can be upheld,” concluded Dr. AG Socratez Yoman.
From the operator’s side, Director of PT Associated Mission Aviation, Bob Kayadu, emphasized that AMA flights have so far focused on serving communities in remote areas.
“All AMA flights are focused on supporting humanitarian services. Civil aviation safety must be a shared concern,” Bob Kayadu emphasized.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Indonesian Pilots Association (IPI), Capt. Muammar Reza Nugraha, assessed that protection for flight crews is a primary requirement for the sustainability of logistics distribution and public services.
“Civil aviation security must be strengthened so that services to the people of Papua can continue without interruption,” concluded Capt. Muammar Reza Nugraha.
The shared stance of these figures demonstrates a shared commitment to rejecting all forms of violence and supporting a thorough investigation into the perpetrators. This cross-stakeholder support is expected to further strengthen the security situation, enabling sustainable humanitarian services and development in Papua.