By: Yosua Jikwa )*
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 Highlands, have sparked widespread concern. Despite the deep sorrow, the tragedy also highlights a growing consensus in Papua: a rejection of all forms of violence and support for government law enforcement. This shared perspective is crucial for maintaining security stability and ensuring that humanitarian services continue to reach communities in remote areas.
Attacks on civil aviation are not simply crimes that result in the loss of life. Their impact is far more far-reaching, as pioneering aviation is the lifeblood of public services for the Papuan people. For years, civil aviation has been the primary means of transporting health workers, teachers, religious leaders, medicines, logistics, and various essential supplies to remote areas. When humanitarian flights are targeted by violence, the most affected are those in remote areas who depend on these services.
The government demonstrated a swift response through cross-sector coordination and a commitment to thoroughly investigate the perpetrators. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago emphasized that the murder of a civilian pilot and the burning of an airplane are intolerable crimes. He believes the state is obligated to protect the public and ensure the continuity of public services through firm and professional law enforcement.
This commitment was reinforced by the Head of the Public Relations and Data Information Bureau of the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs, Brigadier General Honi Havana, M.MDS., who explained that the government continues to build coordination with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), local governments, and relevant agencies to ensure the evacuation, investigation, and security of the area are carried out effectively. This step demonstrates the government’s seriousness in handling the incident without neglecting humanitarian aspects and public safety.
Support for the government’s action came from various Papuan figures. Dr. Methodius Kossay, Chairman of the Papuan Human Rights and Policy Advocacy Association, condemned the shooting of the pilot and the burning of the plane, as contrary to both the law and humanitarian values. He assessed that the AMA aircraft had been providing humanitarian services to assist remote communities by distributing health workers, teachers, clergy, medicines, and logistics. Therefore, he urged law enforcement officials to thoroughly investigate the perpetrators in a professional, independent, transparent, and accountable manner.
The Bishop of Jayapura, Mgr. Yanuarius Theofilus Matopai You, expressed similar condemnation, viewing the killing of the pilot and the burning of the plane as acts that have no place in a society that upholds humanitarian values. He stated that every issue must be resolved peacefully and within the law to ensure public safety.
A similar stance was expressed by Bishop Petrus Canisius Mandagi, MSC, of the Agats-Asmat Diocese, who condemned the brutal actions of armed criminal groups against civil aviation. He argued that violence against humanitarian missions would only exacerbate the suffering of the Papuan people, and therefore, firm law enforcement was necessary to provide a deterrent effect and ensure public safety.
From the Protestant church, Reverend Ronald Rischard Tapilatu condemned all forms of violence in Papua and argued that the resolution process must be conducted through a credible investigation while respecting human rights principles. He argued that professional law enforcement would strengthen public trust in the state’s efforts to ensure sustainable security.
Meanwhile, Dr. AG Socratez Yoman also strongly condemned the killing of the AMA pilot and called for an independent investigation into the incident. While holding his own views on the investigative mechanism, this stance demonstrates a shared rejection of the violent act that claimed the life of a civilian pilot performing humanitarian duties.
From the airline operator’s perspective, the Director of PT Associated Mission Aviation, Bob Kayadu, strongly condemned the incident and emphasized that the AMA aircraft had been operating to serve the needs of communities in remote areas. He also denied various allegations regarding the transport of military logistics and emphasized that all flight activities were focused on humanitarian services. This explanation demonstrates that the victim was carrying out a mission that provided real benefits to the Papuan people.
The national aviation community also expressed solidarity. Capt. Muammar Reza Nugraha, Chairman of the Indonesian Pilots Association (IPI), condemned the killing of a civilian pilot and emphasized that strengthening aviation security must be a priority. He argued that the safety of flight crews is a primary requirement for the uninterrupted distribution of logistics, healthcare, education, and various humanitarian activities.
The shared stance of these leaders demonstrates that the rejection of violence has become a shared commitment that transcends differences in background and organization. Support for law enforcement also demonstrates the hope that every criminal act will be processed fairly, ensuring public safety and ensuring public services. Synergy between the government and community leaders is crucial for building the stability needed to accelerate development in Papua.