by Mathias Hariyadi

The bishops of this remote region have condemned the death of Captain Nicholas Francis Goselin. The bishops highlight the “essential” service provided by AMA, an organisation founded by five Catholic dioceses. They have indignantly rejected allegations that the aircraft were transporting Indonesian army personnel and equipment.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) – A “humanitarian tragedy” following the death of a capable and courageous pilot and the disruption of a “vital service” for the civilian population in remote areas, a sign of latent tension and an ongoing conflict, with the government unable to reach a lasting political solution.

This is how two prominent Indonesian bishops have commented in recent hours on the killing on 2 July of Captain Nicholas Francis Goselin, better known as Mark, and the burning of the aircraft belonging to the Christian charity Associated Mission Aviation (AMA).

The attack is believed to have been carried out by armed Papuan separatist groups based in Balinggalinggama, in the Yahukimo regency, in the highlands of this remote region in the eastern part of the Indonesian archipelago.

Mgr Petrus Canisius Mandagi, Archbishop of Merauke (South Papua province), recalls the “essential” service provided by the Christian organisation and by a pilot who dedicated his life to helping the local population.

“The ‘Ama’ aircraft, owned by the five dioceses of Papua,” the prelate emphasises, “was set alight by the KKB [West Papua National Liberation Army]. Even more heart-rending is the fact that the pilot was killed. He came to serve the people of Papua through his work as a pilot. We strongly condemn this brutal act.”

Together with dozens of priests, religious sisters and laypeople, Bishop Mandagi stressed that Papua needs peace, rather than the violence that continues to prolong the suffering of its people. The prelate also called on Catholics to pray for the late Captain Goselin and his family, asking that they be granted strength and comfort in the face of their loss.

A risky undertaking

Similar concerns were expressed by the indigenous Papuan bishop – a native of Jayapura – and member of the Associated Mission Aviation (AMA) commission, Bishop Yanuarius Theofilus Matopai Tu.

The bishop emphasised that the attack represented a painful tragedy for the Catholic Church, for AMA itself and for the communities that depend on humanitarian flights in the remote and isolated areas of Papua.

Bishop Yanuarius made the statement whilst receiving Goselin’s remains at Sentani Air Base in Jayapura on 3 July. The prelate went on to emphasise that this was the first violent and deliberate attack against AMA in its 67 years of service.

“For decades, we have faced risks from weather conditions and technical problems. However,” the bishop observed, “a criminal act involving the burning of an aircraft and the murder of a pilot is extremely difficult to accept.

It is a barbaric and inhuman act.” Since its foundation, Ama has focused on humanitarian air services, transporting passengers, medical supplies, food, educational materials and other essential goods to remote areas that cannot be easily reached by land.

The organisation also supports the Catholic Church’s pastoral activities, health programmes, educational services and social missions throughout Papua.

A great loss

Bishop Yanuarius went on to reject allegations circulating on social media that Ama aircraft were being used to transport Indonesian military personnel (TNI), police officers, members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPN-PB) or ammunition.

The prelate also stated that the flights are dedicated exclusively to humanitarian purposes and are not linked to political interests or military operations, clarifying that Ama follows strict flight procedures and refuses requests relating to military activities.

According to the bishop, AMA’s operations have long been supported through pioneering government aviation programmes; flights to Balinggalinggama were conducted regularly once a week, and the organisation had never received any threats.

Furthermore, the aircraft destroyed in the attack had been acquired through donations from members of the Church and Catholic institutions. Consequently, the incident has not only caused financial losses but has also disrupted the humanitarian services that have supported remote communities in Papua for decades.

AMA Director Bob Kayadu also expressed deep sorrow at the death of Captain Goselin, the first pilot to be “deliberately killed” in over 60 years of operation. “Aircraft accidents can happen, but setting a plane alight and killing its pilot is utterly inhumane.

This is a very deep wound for all of us.” Kayadu went on to reject claims that Ama had supported military operations, emphasising that the organisation has never transported military equipment or weapons. All flights are recorded via official manifests, and the organisation remains committed to serving communities without discrimination.

Ama currently operates with around 16 pilots serving remote areas across Papua. Flights to Balingga have been operating since 2023, with regular weekly services. Captain Goselin had served as a mission pilot in Papua for almost three years prior to his death.

He was killed shortly after landing on a runway in Yahukimo on the morning of 2 July. The Pilatus aircraft he was piloting was attacked by armed assailants and subsequently set alight. Eight indigenous Papuan passengers survived the attack.

International spotlight

The group that claimed responsibility for the raid said the aircraft had entered what they described as a “war zone” and accused Ama flights of supporting the Indonesian security forces.

The Papuan rebels went on to add that the attack was intended to draw international attention to their political demands for Papuan independence and to encourage the dialogue process involving Indonesia, the Netherlands, the United States and other parties.

The killing of an American citizen immediately attracted the attention of the international and US aviation communities, raising concerns within the Church as well. Ama is in fact owned by five Catholic dioceses in Papua: Jayapura, Timika, Merauke, Manokwari-Sorong and Agats.

In addition to Ama, the remote region is also served by the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), a Protestant Christian missionary organisation involved in air transport. Both groups have played an important role in connecting isolated communities by air, providing transport and logistics to areas with limited road access.

Indeed, for many people living in the interior, missionary aviation services are essential, although the attack in Yahukimo was not the first violent incident involving aviation: in February 2026, armed men killed Smart Air pilot Egon Irawan and co-pilot Baskoro after their plane landed on the runway at Koroway Batu, in the Boven Digoel regency.

Thirteen passengers survived and fled into the forest. Catholic Church leaders and AMA officials hope that the tragedy in Yahukimo will mark a turning point towards ending the violence, by encouraging dialogue and ensuring that humanitarian aviation services can continue to reach communities in the most remote areas of Papua.