Papua, New Guinea – Separatist fighters in Indonesia’s Papua region have claimed responsibility for killing an American pilot and burning his aircraft after it landed in Highland Papua province, while Indonesian authorities say the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. The BBC reported that officials have confirmed the aircraft was found burned but have not independently verified the rebels’ account.
The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), an armed separatist group seeking independence for Papua, said it shot and killed American pilot Nicholas F. Gosselin after his aircraft landed on Thursday. In a statement, the group said it then set the plane on fire, alleging that civilian aircraft had been used to transport Indonesian military personnel and supplies into the region.
Indonesian officials confirmed that the aircraft was discovered burned at an airport in Yahukimo Regency but said it remains unclear what happened to Gosselin and the seven passengers who were reportedly aboard the flight.
Investigation Continues
Indonesia’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation said the flight departed without any reported security concerns and communication was lost shortly after the aircraft landed.
The agency said preliminary information from the airport where the flight originated indicated the pilot may have died, but stressed that the cause of the incident had not yet been confirmed and remained under investigation by relevant authorities.
Yusuf Sutejo, a spokesperson for Indonesia’s joint police-military operations, said authorities could not confirm whether separatist fighters had attacked the aircraft or determine the fate of those on board.
The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta and the U.S. State Department have been contacted for comment, according to the BBC.
Rebels Defend Attack
TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom said the group had prohibited flights across Papua because it alleges civilian aircraft have supported Indonesian military operations.
According to Sambom, the aircraft was attacked because it allegedly violated that warning. He also warned that the group would continue targeting civilian aircraft it believes are assisting Indonesian security forces with transporting personnel or military supplies.
The separatist group further said any recovery of the pilot’s body should take place without Indonesian military or police personnel entering the area. It also renewed calls for negotiations with the Indonesian government over Papua’s political future.
These claims have not been independently verified.
Longstanding Conflict
Papua has experienced decades of conflict between Indonesian authorities and armed separatist groups seeking independence for the resource-rich region. The dispute dates back to 1969, when Papua was incorporated into Indonesia, a process that remains contested by many indigenous Papuans.
Separatist groups have accused Indonesian security forces of contributing to civilian casualties and displacement during the conflict, while the Indonesian government has maintained military operations against armed insurgents.
The latest incident follows previous attacks involving foreign aviation personnel operating in Papua. In 2024, a New Zealand pilot was released after spending 19 months in captivity following negotiations involving Indonesian and New Zealand officials. A month before that release, another New Zealand pilot, Glen Malcolm Conning, was fatally shot after landing in a remote village.
Indonesian authorities continue investigating the latest incident as officials work to determine the fate of everyone aboard the aircraft.
Tags: Indonesia, Papua, West Papua, TPNPB, Nicholas F. Gosselin, Aviation, Armed Conflict, Separatists, Yahukimo, Security, United States, Regional Conflict
