TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Executive Director of the Papua Human Rights and Justice Foundation (YKKMP) Theo Hesegem has urged Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to reevaluate the policy of deploying non-organic troops to Papua. According to him, the security approach is unable to solve the Papua problem.
"The security approach actually results in loss of life, displacement of the population, and deteriorating humanitarian conditions in various areas of Papua," said the humanitarian activist in Papua in a written statement on Monday, July 6, 2026.
According to Theo, one of the latest victims is American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin. Goselin was shot dead by the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) in the Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands, on Thursday, July 2, 2026. TPNPB-OPM accused the aircraft flown by Goselin of carrying logistics for the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in Papua.
According to Theo, the conflict between the two parties sacrifices civilians, including pilots. However, civilian pilots play a crucial role in humanitarian services in Papua, as they transport healthcare workers, teachers, patients, logistics, food, medicine, and basic necessities to remote areas. "These areas can only be reached by air," he said.
In the perspective of international humanitarian law, he added, civilian flight pilots are considered civilians as long as they do not take direct part in hostilities. They should not be targeted in an attack.
The same protection also applies to healthcare workers, teachers, humanitarian volunteers, religious figures, women, children, the elderly, and the entire civilian population.
Therefore, he urged Prabowo to evaluate all security policies in Papua, prioritize peaceful dialogue, and ensure that healthcare, education, and humanitarian aid services continue to operate.
Tempo tried to confirm this with Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi. However, he has not responded.
Based on the Project Multatuli research in 2025, there are 83,177 personnel of combined organic forces of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the National Police (Polri) serving in Papua. This number consists of 56,517 TNI soldiers and 26,660 Polri personnel scattered across Papua.
Spokesperson for the TPNPB headquarters Sebby Sambom previously stated that the shooting of the American pilot and the burning were carried out by the TPNPB Kodap XVI Yahukimo militia led by Elkius Kobak. The aircraft flown by Nicholas was executed because it was suspected of carrying logistics for the TNI in Papua. Commander of the III Kogabwilhan Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto also confirmed that the pilot was shot by the TPNPN militia led by Elkius Kobak.
Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago stated that the government will not tolerate any form of violence. According to him, the shooting has affected the activities of the population, as air transport has become the lifeline for the people of Papua.
Djamari stated that the ministry will push for an investigation process and law enforcement measures against the perpetrators while also promoting efforts to secure pioneer flights to ensure the safety of the population and the continuity of public services," said the retired general on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
Read: Indonesian Military to Reinforce Troops in Papua After Pilot Killing
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