An American pilot was shot and killed in Indonesia’s eastern Papua region, and his aircraft was later set on fire, according to Indonesia’s military. The attack happened in the conflict-affected area of Papua, where separatist fighters have long been engaged in a low-level armed struggle for independence from Indonesia.
The victim was identified as Nicholas F. Gosselin, an American pilot whose body was recovered and evacuated by Indonesian authorities.
Indonesian Military Confirms Pilot’s Death
On Friday, Indonesia’s military confirmed that Gosselin had been killed and that his body had been recovered.
Military spokesperson Wirya Artadiguna, based in Papua, said the attack was carried out by a separatist group. He added that security forces are now searching for those responsible.
Authorities are also trying to locate the passengers who were reportedly on board the aircraft.
Separatist Group Claims Responsibility
The West Papua National Liberation Army, also known as TPNPB, claimed responsibility for the attack.
Its spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, said the group’s fighters shot Gosselin after his plane landed in the Yahukimo region of Highland Papua province. He also said the aircraft was burned after the shooting.
According to Sambom, the plane had repeatedly been used to transport Indonesian military personnel and had violated warnings issued by the TPNPB.
Rebels Call Attack a Message to Indonesia and the U.S.
Sebby Sambom described the attack as a message to both the Indonesian and U.S. governments.
He accused them of failing to address the deeper causes of the conflict between the Indonesian military and the West Papua National Liberation Army.
Sambom also warned that more attacks could follow if Indonesia continues allowing civilian aircraft to fly into rebel-controlled “red zones” in Papua.
Passengers Still Being Sought
Officials earlier said there were seven passengers on board the flight. All of them were reported to be Papuans.
As of the latest military update, authorities were still searching for the passengers.
The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Video Shows Rebels With Weapons and Independence Flag
A video provided by the TPNPB reportedly showed rebels carrying guns and axes while raising the Morning Star flag.
The Morning Star flag is widely recognized as a symbol of West Papuan independence.
In the footage, the group announced the attack and appeared to present it as part of its wider independence struggle.
Aircraft Operated by PT AMA
The aircraft was owned by PT AMA, an airline operator that serves remote communities in Papua.
According to the company’s website, PT AMA planes transport essential supplies such as food, fuel and mail to isolated villages in the region.
The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Long-Running Conflict in Papua
Papua, the resource-rich western half of the island of New Guinea, has faced a long-running independence conflict.
Armed separatist fighters have fought Indonesian control for years. In recent years, attacks have become more frequent and more deadly as rebel groups have obtained stronger weapons.
The region’s geography, remote villages and limited transport links make aircraft important for travel and supply delivery, but they also place pilots and passengers at risk in areas controlled or contested by armed groups.
Previous Kidnapping of New Zealand Pilot
The killing of Gosselin follows another high-profile aviation-related case in Papua.
In February 2023, Papuan rebels kidnapped New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens after he landed a small commercial aircraft in the remote mountainous area of Nduga, in Highland Papua.
Mehrtens was held captive for more than a year before being released in September 2024.