Indonesia’s military has recovered the body of American pilot Nicholas F Gosselin, who was shot dead by separatist rebels in Papua, officials said on Friday (3rd July), following an attack the rebels described as a message to the US and Indonesian governments.
Sebby Sambom, a spokesperson for the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), said Thursday (2nd July) that the group’s troops shot Gosselin and set his plane on fire after it landed in the Yahukimo region of Highland Papua province.
Sambom said: “The aircraft had frequently been dropping Indonesian military personnel and had violated the TPNPB’s ultimatum, warning of further attacks if Indonesia continued allowing civilian aircraft to enter rebel-controlled ‘red zones’ in Papua.”
Wirya Artadiguna, a military spokesperson in Papua, confirmed Friday that the separatist group carried out the attack.
Artadiguna said: “Gosselin’s body had been recovered and evacuated, and that the military was searching for the perpetrators. All passengers on the flight, who officials said were seven Papuans, returned home safely. The US embassy in Jakarta did not respond to a request for comment.”
A video released by the TPNPB showed rebels armed with guns and axes raising the Morning Star flag, a symbol of Papuan independence, while announcing the attack. The aircraft belonged to airline operator PT AMA, whose planes carry food, fuel, and mail to remote villages across Papua, according to the company’s website. PT AMA did not respond to a request for comment.
A low-level battle for independence from Indonesia has long simmered in the resource-rich western half of Papua, and tensions in the region, which includes Highland Papua province, have increased in recent years. In a previous high-profile case, Papuan rebels kidnapped New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens in February 2023 after he landed a small commercial plane in the remote, mountainous Nduga area of Highland Papua. He was released in September 2024.
Indonesian officials have denied that the aircraft attacked Thursday (2nd July) was transporting military personnel, maintaining that all passengers were local civilians. The rebels claimed the flight had violated their declared red zones, areas under their control where they say civilian aircraft should not operate without permission.
The killing has raised concerns about the safety of aviation operations in remote parts of Papua, where small aircraft provide vital links to isolated communities. PT AMA and similar operators fly essential supplies to villages that are often inaccessible by road, and military spokespeople have advised pilots to avoid rebel-designated red zones as searches for those responsible continue in the Yahukimo region.
Human rights groups and observers have long called for dialogue to address the underlying issues in Papua, including demands for greater autonomy or independence. Indonesia maintains that the provinces are an integral part of the country and points to its development efforts in the region. The TPNPB has carried out previous attacks on infrastructure and personnel, but the targeting of a foreign civilian pilot marks a notable escalation likely to draw international attention.
Local residents in affected areas have expressed fear over the rising violence, which has disrupted daily life and essential services, and aid delivery and routine flights may now face further delays or cancellations in high-risk zones. As investigations continue, authorities are working to prevent further incidents. Gosselin’s body has been recovered, but the broader conflict in Papua remains unresolved.
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