American pilot killed in Papua separatist attack, rebels call it a 'message' to US and Indonesia

The attack

On Thursday, an American pilot identified as Nicholas F. Gosselin (AP spelled the name Goselin) was shot dead after landing a small plane at Ipdeheik airstrip in Yahukimo, Highland Papua. The aircraft, owned by PT AMA, was carrying seven Papuan civilians and had flown from Wamena. Communications ceased shortly after landing, and the plane was later found burned. Indonesian security forces recovered the pilot's body on Friday.

Rebel claims

The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) claimed responsibility. Spokesman Sebby Sambom said the plane had violated a ban on civilian flights in rebel-controlled zones and had been used to transport Indonesian military personnel and supplies. He described the killing as a "message" to the US, Indonesia, the Netherlands, and the UN.

The shooting of the American pilot is the result of the failure of the Indonesian, U.S. and Dutch governments, as well as the United Nations, to address the root causes of the conflict in Papua.

Passengers and military denial

All seven passengers, indigenous Papuans including three women, were unharmed. The Indonesian military denied that the plane carried troops, stating it was a civilian flight. The transport ministry confirmed the flight details.

Context of the conflict

Papua has seen a low-level insurgency since its incorporation into Indonesia in 1969. Attacks have grown deadlier in the past year, with rebels targeting foreign pilots. In February 2023, the TPNPB kidnapped New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens, holding him for 18 months before releasing him in September 2024. A month before that release, the same group shot dead another New Zealand helicopter pilot.

International reaction

The US embassy in Jakarta did not immediately comment. The rebels called for UN-mediated negotiations and warned that civilian aircraft supporting the Indonesian military would be targeted.