In the remote mountains and jungles of Highland Papua, airplanes are often the only way to connect with the outside world. On Thursday, July 2, 2026, an American pilot named Nicholas F. Goselin was flying a small plane to the isolated village of Balinggama. He landed safely at the Ipdeheik airstrip and reported his arrival. However, after this, all communication stopped.
Goselin did not survive. Rebels from the West Papua National Liberation Army, also known as the TPNPB, attacked the landing area. They shot and killed the American pilot and set his plane on fire. The aircraft, a Pilatus PC-6 Turbo-Porter, was used by Associated Mission Aviation to transport people and supplies to remote communities. Goselin was carrying seven local passengers, who were unharmed and returned to their homes.
The TPNPB claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was a political message. In a video, fighters displayed weapons and the "Morning Star" flag, which represents Papuan independence from Indonesia. Sebby Sambom, a TPNPB spokesperson, said the plane violated their ban on civilian flights in areas they control. He accused the Indonesian government of using civilian planes for military purposes.
Sambom stated the plane was burned because it broke the TPNPB's warning. He said the killing was a message to the United States and Indonesia, blaming them for ignoring the long-standing conflict. Indonesian officials denied the rebels' claims, saying the plane was only carrying civilians. Helicopters were sent to retrieve the pilot's body, which was taken to Timika. The U.S. government is monitoring the investigation.
Papua, a resource-rich region, was a Dutch colony before Indonesia took control in 1969 after a disputed referendum. Armed conflict has continued since then, with the TPNPB fighting for separation. The rebels have become better armed recently. The TPNPB has warned that they will shoot down any civilian planes they believe are helping the Indonesian military, making air travel in Papua dangerous.