YAHUKIMO – The shooting death of Associated Mission Aviation (AMA) pilot Nicholas F. Goselin, followed by the burning of the AMA PK-RCY aircraft in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Mountains, has sparked widespread condemnation. The incident has not only left grief in the aviation world but also strengthened support for the government’s legal enforcement efforts. Various figures believe a professional legal process is necessary to maintain security and ensure the continuity of humanitarian services in Papua.
Pioneer flights have long been the primary means of communication for communities in remote Papua. Air transportation allows the distribution of healthcare workers, teachers, religious leaders, medicines, and even basic necessities to reach difficult-to-access areas. Therefore, disruptions to civil aviation are considered potentially disruptive to essential public services.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to a thorough investigation into the incident. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago stated that acts of violence against civil aviation constitute an intolerable crime.
“The murder of a civilian pilot and the burning of an airplane are crimes that must be prosecuted according to the law. The state will ensure that law enforcement is carried out firmly and professionally,” Djamari Chaniago emphasized.
These efforts are strengthened through cross-agency coordination to support the investigation process, secure the area, and maintain smooth services to the public.
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 the government continues to strengthen synergy with all stakeholders.
“Coordination with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), local governments, and related agencies continues to ensure optimal case handling and maintains security,” said Brigadier General Honi Havana, M.MDS.
Support for law enforcement measures has also come from various Papuan figures. Dr. Methodius Kossay, Chairman of the Papuan Policy Advocacy and Human Rights Association, assessed that the shooting of a civilian pilot violates humanitarian values and harms communities dependent on aviation services.
“The perpetrators must be processed through a professional, independent, transparent, and accountable legal mechanism so that justice can be realized,” added Dr. Methodius Kossay.
Similarly, the Bishop of Jayapura, Mgr. Yanuarius Theofilus Matopai You, urged all parties to prioritize a peaceful resolution.
“Violence is not the solution. Every problem must be resolved through dialogue and law enforcement to maintain public safety,” said Bishop Yanuarius Theofilus Matopai You.
Similar support was expressed by Bishop Petrus Canisius Mandagi, MSC, of the Agats-Asmat Diocese, who considered protecting humanitarian flights a shared interest.
“Actions against civil aviation only increase public suffering. Firm law enforcement is needed to provide a sense of security,” concluded Bishop Petrus Canisius Mandagi, MSC.
Meanwhile, Reverend Ronald Rischard Tapilatu emphasized the importance of a credible investigation to deliver justice and strengthen public trust.
“The investigation must be conducted professionally while respecting human rights principles so that the results are acceptable to all parties,” said Reverend Ronald Rischard Tapilatu.
From the aviation world, Director of PT Associated Mission Aviation, Bob Kayadu, emphasized that all AMA flights are oriented towards humanitarian services for remote communities.
“Civil aviation safety must be a shared concern because this service helps meet the needs of communities in remote areas,” stressed Bob Kayadu.
Solidarity also came from the Chairman of the Indonesian Pilots Association (IPI), Capt. Muammar Reza Nugraha, who assessed that flight safety is the main requirement for the continued distribution of logistics and public services.
“Protection of aircraft crews and civil aviation must be strengthened so that humanitarian missions can proceed without disruption,” concluded Capt. Muammar Reza Nugraha.
The shared stance of the government, religious leaders, human rights activists, and the aviation community demonstrates growing support for law enforcement in the wake of the tragedy. The expressed hope is for a fair legal process, a sense of security for the community, and the continued provision of humanitarian services and development in Papua.