US Ambassador Reacts to Killing of American Pilot in Papua

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – U.S. Ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Kevin Kim has expressed regret over the killing of American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin in Papua Highlands, saying he is confident Indonesia will handle the case and ensure the safety of U.S. citizens.

"We believe Indonesia is capable of resolving this issue," Kim said during a press conference at Hotel Kempinski in Central Jakarta on Friday, July 31.

"Anyone working on behalf of the U.S. government understands how important it is to protect our people. I fully believe that we can collaborate with Indonesia."

When asked whether the United States and Indonesia would establish a joint investigation team, Kim said Washington was still awaiting further updates from the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta.

Goselin was killed on July 2 while piloting an aircraft operated by PT AMA over Sobaham District in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands.

The aircraft was reportedly shot down by the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM), which alleged that it was transporting logistics for the Indonesian military.

TPNPB-OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom said the attack and the subsequent burning of the aircraft were carried out by the group's Yahukimo regional command under the leadership of Elkius Kobak.

"We shot the pilot as an ultimatum to prevent any more Indonesian airlines from flying over Papua," Sambom said in a written statement on July 3.

According to Sambom, the group's 36 regional commands have imposed flight bans across their respective territories, claiming the restrictions are intended to prevent the deployment of Indonesian military personnel to Papua. He alleged that civilian airlines operating in the region, including PT AMA, have frequently been used to transport troops and military logistics to remote areas.

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) have rejected such allegations and launched an operation to pursue those responsible for the attack.

TNI spokesperson Brig. Gen. Kristomei Sianturi previously said troops from the Habema Operational Command were deployed to conduct search and pursuit operations against the armed group suspected of carrying out the shooting.

"The Habema Operational Command patrol team immediately conducted a sweep and pursuit of the perpetrators to maintain security and support the law enforcement process," he said.

Dede Leni and Andi Adam also contributed to the writing of this article.

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