I regret to hear that a TPNPB group in Yahukimo have destroyed a plane and killed its pilot, understood to be American Nicholas Gosselin. On behalf of the ULMWP and West Papuan people, I send my deepest condolences to Mr Gosselin’s family.

The TPNPB have stated that they killed Mr Gosselin for bringing Indonesian troops into the highlands, which has been turned into a warzone by deadly Indonesian operations over the past three months. Indonesia has also consistently ignored the military flight ban and no fly zone declared by the TPNPB. They put Mr Gosselin in mortal danger by intentionally disregarding these restrictions.

Indonesia is also guilty of using civilian aircraft, like the PT AMA plane Mr Gosselin was flying, to transport troops and other military equipment into the conflict zone (evidence below). Several planes have already been burnt by the TPNPB for this same reason. Indonesia is effectively using these foreign pilots as human shields.

Indonesia must not use this tragedy as an excuse to increase their militarisation of West Papua by deploying more troops and launching bombing campaigns in Yahukimo or surrounding regions. They have a responsibility to deescalate and ensure the safety of the thousands of West Papuans who live in this area. Over forty West Papuan civilians have been killed by the Indonesian military in the last three months alone. 125,000 of our people are currently displaced.

The ULMWP calls for an end to all blood being shed on sacred Papuan land. West Papuans are not against foreigners, against outsiders: on the contrary, we want the whole world to know what Indonesia is doing to us. This is why we have campaigned for years to have the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights visit West Papua, a demand that Indonesia continues to refuse.

The ULMWP remains committed to its peaceful political roadmap, which aims to win West Papuan independence through diplomatic mechanisms and international fora. I issue the following simple call to Indonesia:

  1. To immediately withdraw their military from Yahukimo to stabilise the situation and allow refugees to return home.
  2. To engage with the ULMWP regarding the internationally supervised self-determination referendum that West Papuans have been denied for over 60 years.

This is the only viable way to secure a long-term peaceful solution in the Pacific.

I again send my heartfelt condolences to Mr Gosselin’s family and loved ones.

Benny Wenda 
President
ULMWP

Indonesian soldiers and military equipment on a civilian plane